Joyce’s Tips When Commuting

Since the dawn of my nomadic transformation, taking different rides from different modes of transportation has been one of its major highlights. Unlike before when squeezing my way into a train packed of estrogen-induced women/men or waiting in line for the fx slash shuttle to pick us up were the only means of travel I take, now it’s a different ball game. Learning how to drive and owning a car someday will only be considered as my last option if and only if, I learn to distinguish my left from my right, and decipher a road map correctly. Notice that this is a subtle revelation that I am poor in directions. For now, I stick to the major means of travelling which all includes the jeepney, tricycle and buses. I’ve realized and noted some important facts that are essential for you to survive your trip. I’m trying to be helpful here or at least attempting to because, really, commuting is my thing.  Yes, that was sarcasm! Moving forward with the list:

1. Always be ready with the exact fare. In this day and age, we really cannot expect people to be honest. I mean if we can scam election results, we can definitely hustle first-time commuters, right?

2. Do not pretend that you know where you’re going. There is a likelihood that you will miss your stop and will end up lost in a middle of nowhere, teary-eyed and contemplating on hitching a ride. Ask the driver to drop you off to your location or better yet ask the conductor if you took the right line.  The key is to not look like a lost puppy. Thus, try not to look like you’re about to cry in despair.

3. Always bring a hanky. This is essential when you’re riding an ordinary bus or if you happen to get off the Santolan Terminal (Post-Ondoy/Pepeng). Oh the aroma therapy.

4. Ask for alternative routes, which could help you shorten a 3-hour ride to 2.5 or if you’re in a perfect world, 1 hour (minus the traffic jam).

5. Never ever sit on the back part of the bus or fx. By the time that you’ve excused yourself from all of the other passengers you’re already missed the unloading zone.

6. Never ever doze off. You will wake up in a different timezone.

7. Go with the flow. Do not show off your bling. You have to blend in with the commuting masses. There are many cases wherein people get mugged because they look like a million bucks. So showing off your avant garde look is simply useless and ridiculous unless you have a random  deathwish.

8. For your own safety, close all  the open –bags, zippers and such.

9. Do not put all your valuables in one location. Put some money in your pocket/s or if your undies have secret compartments by all means do so. Also, wash your hands after.  That’s one of the tips, I got from my Uncle. And he’s in the military so I seriously recommend you follow his suggestions. Hmmmk.

10. Watch out for suspicious looking characters. I know looks can be deceiving and that doesn’t exclude  seemingly harmless  old ladies. Call me paranoid, but there are a lot of scammers from all walks of life. You’ll never guess who until they’ve gotten your snoopy wallet and you’re standing in the unloading zone dumbstruck of what happened.

That’s all for now, kids. Stay safe (Oh it’s Friday the 13th!) and meantime, if you know an apartment for rent near Commonwealth or Boni area give me a holler.