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| Pic from FB |
Since I arrived to Singapore almost a year ago, I have found myself in the unique position of feeling at home but in unfamiliar territory. Other than the area where I live in, all other places have made me feel like a tourist. Too often, I couldn't find my bearing and didn't know which way to go. I wandered around but didn't get lost. I enjoyed it. Getting lost, I mean.
However, I am slowly beginning to recognise more landmarks and roads. Even now, it's still like being in a foreign land. Well, I am in a foreign land. Having lived all of my life in Kuala Lumpur where I know most of the roads and lanes, it has been a strange feeling to not know where I am and whether I should go left or right. While it was disconcerting at the beginning, I have learnt to embrace this uncertainty.
There is something to be said about being anonymous in a crowd. I know many like to be known and enjoy being famous but going around incognito gives one a feeling of being 'free'. I don't really know how to explain this and maybe there isn't any need to.
Anyway, the one thing that I've appreciated about Singapore is the excellent transport service. With a little map, one can move around without any difficulty.
I live almost in the middle of all the MRT lines, between the Braddell (Red Line) and Caldecott (Yellow Line) Stations. So I have the option to pick whichever will afford me the shortest route.
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| Pic from here |
Stephen has taught me that getting from one destination to another (via one MRT line) is not necessarily the fastest route. Now I know that it may be faster to go from point A to point B and then to point C. Travel time can be cut in half. Well, he's a seasoned traveller both here and overseas. Me? I've lived almost all my life in one city and I had a car for the last 30 years! I am learning, though.
The advantage of living in the heart of Singapore is the convenience of getting anywhere so easily. Technically, I live in Toa Payoh but physically, I am nearer to the Braddell station. This only means that I am just four stations (8 minutes) away from the hustle and bustle of the famous Orchard Road. If I ever miss the noise and crowd, I can get my fix easily. Actually I don't even have to travel so far because just one station (2 minutes) away and I can get everything I want or need at Toa Payoh.
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| Pic from Wikipedia (Red area shows Toa Payoh) |
I didn't realise that I have enjoyed wandering around. When I first arrived to Singapore, I put it on my bucket list that I would visit each station, at least once, and go do a walkabout. I believe that there are over a hundred stations (MRT and LRT). I haven't yet been to all of them. There is just too much to do and see. It's still on my list of things to finish in 2013.
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| Pic from Wikipedia |
Meanwhile, I wander and I wonder.
I know what you're saying here, girl! Having a good system of transportation means a lot. CanNOT say the same for KL, where you're glued to your car, and a jam, if you want to go anywhere.
ReplyDeleteI was impressed with Singapore's MRT when I visited in the late 80s. I'm sure it's gotten even better than I remember now!
It's easy to move around when there's a good system that works. Especially for people like me who wander about when I have nothing to do. It's good to know that with a "hop, skip and a jump", I can be back home quickly.
DeleteI didn't realise just how much I depend on the transport system until recently. It's wonderful to be able to go about freely.
I know exactly what you mean!! I was so scared that I had to rely on public transport for the duration of my stay here. Plus...with everything being in German! I had post-its of my home street and work street stuck to my handphone for the first 2 weeks!
ReplyDeleteWhile I can't say that I am used to using the public transport already, I have improved. With help from Google Maps and the public transport system route network map, I have found my way to certain places on my own. :-)My colleague from the US told me it took her 2 years to get used to the network, so I guess I'm doing alright so far!
Of course having an excellent public transport system is vital! Heck, I don't even know how to use the public transport back home!
I deleted the duplicates. :)
DeleteI guess it's easy only when there exists a good transport system. I know that in some countries, there isn't and unless you have a car, you're stuck where you are.
Glad that you understood what I meant. :)
Our long chat session is a memory to cherish. Looking forward to Close Encounter the Third Time!
ReplyDeleteWhen you next wander down south, wonder not about another close encounter! It'll happen! :)
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