I’m back.
I have not been writing not because my ‘Net connection is down, nor because my life is devoid of interest. I have not been writing because I have been lazy.
So I’m making up for it with this post. Today we discuss transportation.
After four years of being on a learning curve, I have finally learned how to drive. I’m still not perfect- I smashed the Palio’s left rear indicator light cover the other day when I went down the wrong road in South Extension, but I’m doing pretty well. Smashing a car is an abberation now, not routine. I can drive. Whee.
However, I will say this. The independence that comes with having a car and being able to drive is not absolute.
For the past four or five years, I’ve been using public transportation in Delhi- DTC buses and autorickshaws. Acutorickshaws charge exorbitantly, so when you’ve got the time and you’re on a bus route, DTC is better.
Here’s the problem. DTC buses are slow, you don’t always get them, and they don’t always go where you want them to go. For example there’s no decent bus route from Safdarjung Enclave, where I live, to Green Park, where I buy comics, have my hair cut, and buy books.
Enough with detail. Getting down to the nitty gritty, here is the point which I wish to make.
The DTC bus gives you freedom of movement- but only to the places where it actually goes. I can go to Vasant Vihar, South Extension, Connaught Place, and Saket. I cannot go to Greater Kailash or Green Park.
Having a car also gives you significant freedom of movement- but only to places where you can park. And I have to go to a large number of places where parking is a major headache. Green Park, Basant Lok, South Extension. Heck, South Extension isn’t just a headache, it’s impossible.
So, the lesson I draw from this is that absolute freedom of movement is conferred only by motorcycles. They’re cheap, they’re fast, they’re fuel efficient, and you can park them without hassle.
My New Year’s Resolution, then, is to learn how to drive a motorcycle. And this time, do it within six months.