December had been a slow month. Most of the holidays of the year are 'concentrated' in that month. Being year end, it is also a month when people travel out of the country for holidays. For me, I enjoyed not having to wait long at taxi queues. Nevertheless, I have wondered if the turnaround was solely because of the holiday period or is it due to people leaving the country brought about by poor economy...
Recent local news reported that about 3000 people left Dubai after losing their jobs. Some had abandoned their vehicles at the airport, leaving behind months of unpaid installments. Personally, I have also witnessed more than a few cases of people caught in awkard positions while changing jobs, or being given the termination. Most took it badly. Some portrayed a strong front. Whatever it is, I think it is not easy to face such situations and hope all things turn out well for each of them eventually.
January came. The taxi queue grew longer at times. However, the wait was not that long these days. I was able to arrive back from work for as much as an hour earlier! :D
Traffic at the infamous Sheikh Zayed Road has also been more of a breeze. Not that there is no jam anymore. Jams still happened whenever there road accidents occured. However, it was not like standstill like before.
Guess that's good news for public commuters like me! Taking driving lessons currently. Pray that I can obtain my license in good time!!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Year End Thoughts
Today is the last day of 2008. Yours truly is blogging in the last 2 hours towards 2008.
This year has been a year of huge changes for me. It was also special. In terms of career, I had my sense of fulfillment as I was recognised for my work, which I had been preparing to do in a deeper context for years. Being involved in the transformation of the lives of people was beyond monetary satisfaction. It was also in some ways personal discovery and also appreciation for different aspects which my mind had not conceived of previously.
It was unfortunate that I had only a year to enjoy it. Despite being given the "privileged" green light to continue, I had to make the difficult choice to leave my work behind. It was certainly not easy but yet I know, the right thing to do.
Thus, I uprooted from Singapore and left for Dubai to join hubby, who came earlier to work since April. 6 months had passed and I am still around. Yes, I had my complaints of the maddening traffic and the summer heat. Sometimes, I had came to the stage to laugh about it, even the bad customer service standards here. However, I always thank God and even gave affirmations to those service providers who provided good services. Hopefully, positive strokes will encourage them to keep up the good service and cause a rippling effect?!
It was not easy to find a similar job here at Dubai. After some vain attempts, I had to adjust my expectations to take on jobs that are not as appealing. Did not quite think that I would be working in a construction sector! Nevertheless, it feels good to know that I am part of the booming construction sector in Dubai... In future, I will be able to tell my children and grandchildren that their mother/grandmother had been a part of Dubai's countless and interesting structure buildings :)
Having said that, I do miss my work prior to coming to Dubai. A lot... :I Well, guess there are seasons in life. I will be back, I know for sure. Someday......
Have taken up driving classes. After some ding-dong-ing due to the frequently wrong and inconsisent information system here, I had at last embarked on my journey towards attaining a driving license! Thank God that my instructor is encouraging and of a good temperament. That makes learning easier.
Today, I encountered yet another episode of crazy traffic. Wanted to return at 4.30pm from a mall (it's easiest to get cabs from shopping malls) but the queue today was incredibly long! Was it due to new year's eve? I detoured to wait for cabs out in the road but in vain. Even for the 2 buses that came, I was unable to board. Mentally and physically exhausted, I decided to go for an early dinner to replenish my energy. Thought the queue at the mall taxi stand would be shorter but boy, it was even longer! Never seen so many rounds of snake queue... Still, I thank God that I had my iPod and book for company, and that the queue was half an hour, not longer... if not, I might have killed someone! >:( The time I finally board a cab was 7.05pm.
The purpose of the 'detour' from today's topic was to reinforce my point: I NEED a license! Really don't wish to be victimised by the traffic situation again. I can pass my driving test... I will pass my driving test... I must pass my driving test! Apart from being freed from the traffic burden here (being stuck in Dubai typical traffic jam is the lesser evil of being stuck in a place where you cannot go anywhere), having a license will be handy in the future.
As for family, I realised that my mom missed me a lot. I kinda feel bad of being away...... *sigh* but I have to be with my husband. Prior to leaving, I know I will be missing the growing up years of my nieces. Nevertheless, am glad that at least I see pictures of their development. Siblings, keep those coming in! My sister's girl is looking more and more like her, whereas my brother's girl is getting prettier by the day.
:)
This year has been a year of huge changes for me. It was also special. In terms of career, I had my sense of fulfillment as I was recognised for my work, which I had been preparing to do in a deeper context for years. Being involved in the transformation of the lives of people was beyond monetary satisfaction. It was also in some ways personal discovery and also appreciation for different aspects which my mind had not conceived of previously.
It was unfortunate that I had only a year to enjoy it. Despite being given the "privileged" green light to continue, I had to make the difficult choice to leave my work behind. It was certainly not easy but yet I know, the right thing to do.
Thus, I uprooted from Singapore and left for Dubai to join hubby, who came earlier to work since April. 6 months had passed and I am still around. Yes, I had my complaints of the maddening traffic and the summer heat. Sometimes, I had came to the stage to laugh about it, even the bad customer service standards here. However, I always thank God and even gave affirmations to those service providers who provided good services. Hopefully, positive strokes will encourage them to keep up the good service and cause a rippling effect?!
It was not easy to find a similar job here at Dubai. After some vain attempts, I had to adjust my expectations to take on jobs that are not as appealing. Did not quite think that I would be working in a construction sector! Nevertheless, it feels good to know that I am part of the booming construction sector in Dubai... In future, I will be able to tell my children and grandchildren that their mother/grandmother had been a part of Dubai's countless and interesting structure buildings :)
Having said that, I do miss my work prior to coming to Dubai. A lot... :I Well, guess there are seasons in life. I will be back, I know for sure. Someday......
Have taken up driving classes. After some ding-dong-ing due to the frequently wrong and inconsisent information system here, I had at last embarked on my journey towards attaining a driving license! Thank God that my instructor is encouraging and of a good temperament. That makes learning easier.
Today, I encountered yet another episode of crazy traffic. Wanted to return at 4.30pm from a mall (it's easiest to get cabs from shopping malls) but the queue today was incredibly long! Was it due to new year's eve? I detoured to wait for cabs out in the road but in vain. Even for the 2 buses that came, I was unable to board. Mentally and physically exhausted, I decided to go for an early dinner to replenish my energy. Thought the queue at the mall taxi stand would be shorter but boy, it was even longer! Never seen so many rounds of snake queue... Still, I thank God that I had my iPod and book for company, and that the queue was half an hour, not longer... if not, I might have killed someone! >:( The time I finally board a cab was 7.05pm.
The purpose of the 'detour' from today's topic was to reinforce my point: I NEED a license! Really don't wish to be victimised by the traffic situation again. I can pass my driving test... I will pass my driving test... I must pass my driving test! Apart from being freed from the traffic burden here (being stuck in Dubai typical traffic jam is the lesser evil of being stuck in a place where you cannot go anywhere), having a license will be handy in the future.
As for family, I realised that my mom missed me a lot. I kinda feel bad of being away...... *sigh* but I have to be with my husband. Prior to leaving, I know I will be missing the growing up years of my nieces. Nevertheless, am glad that at least I see pictures of their development. Siblings, keep those coming in! My sister's girl is looking more and more like her, whereas my brother's girl is getting prettier by the day.
:)
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Desert Safari
December is a slow month in Dubai, cos most of the holidays in the year are 'concentrated' in that month. In fact, I am blogging this on a holiday! During a previous 3-day holiday period, hubby and I went on a Desert Safari tour. It's a must-do for anyone who have stayed in a desert area (or so-called... for Dubai, i guess).
Earlier, all I know about Desert Safari is that you get to experience driving around and being out in the real desert. Instead, it exceeded my expectations! I must say it felt different being surrounded by just sand, minus the real roads in far sight. Wasn't quite prepared for the rollercoaster like jerks as our guide drove his 4x4 wheeler skillfully up and down each sand slopes... We actually went on this tour with another family. The little girl was initially scared and kept quiet most of the time, whereas her older brother was enjoying himself, evidently :)
For me, it was quite fun. However, I started to feel a bit nauseous after a while. Somehow, after coming to Dubai, I realised my body can't take well to the repeated jerks whilst in car and being stuck long in traffic jams. After 15 minutes of solid safari, the driver drove onto the main road and headed toward the camp where we had dinner and night entertainment. He told us that it would be only 2 last minutes of safari. Within a minute of safari driving, the little girl threw up! Believe me, at that moment, I was trying hard to hold back too! The driver pulled over and allowed the little girl to alight with her parents and recovered. Thank God that I was able to hold on well... :p
The evening was an overall pleasant experience. Though sitting on a camel was scary at times (when it suddenly got up or kneel down to let me 'alight'), I am glad that I had done it! Ha! ;) There were the traditional dances performances as well. There was one where the male dancer had this flying saucer like skirt that lighted up when he danced with it... There were some good sports who volunteered to take that to dance with it. I must say that the turning around over and over again is not easy... Don't they get dizzy? And of course, how could I not mention the sensual belly dancing by the female dancer? The MC had to repeatedly urged the guys to sit down and not block the people behind (who are cosily seated at their tables) from viewing the entertainment. Even hubby and I had to step up to tap the shoulders of those guys to be more considerate.
It was indeed very cold out at the desert at night, especially now the winter season has just set in. Our guess was that it was 16 degrees celsius or below?! I thank God that I brought my gloves along, and of course, my jacket.
Alright, previous attempts to post pictures at this site had been a problem. Here's yet another of my attempt, though not sure how successful it will be!
Sunday, December 07, 2008
Rain indeed.......
A few days ago, i witnessed rain while travelling in my company transport. It wasn't just rain but downpour. Somehow, my workplace area tends to be more prone to rain... I attribute it to the more plentiful water supply there. It's a man-made marina place... and close to the beach... well, whatever.......
Today, I became a victim of the rain. They say it tends to rain in Dubai for not more than a week in a year. Well, I have heard that flooding can be a problem. I have seen for myself the great jam the poor drainage system had caused. 2 out of 7 lanes being unusable is quite a big deal, not to mention the frequency of road accidents here given the higher speed limit and the way of driving here.
Just to clarify, I wasn't referring to being stuck in the jam in being victimised. It was kind of worse than that. This morning, I entered my office to find that my department area is flooded. The carpet is wet. Not a big deal for me. The documents being wet was some of a deal for me. Perhaps I should give thanks that my workstation is largely intact i.e. PCs still usable, whereas another department was virtually drenched by water......
Something that amazed me was the work culture here. I have heard of such stories but today, I am a real witness to testify. Instead of going to where the action is i.e. pumping out the source of water leakage, a total of 10 over workers assembled at the worst hit area in the office, awaiting confirmation to move the office stuff so that they could change the carpet.
Goodness. Didn't they see that the water was still dripping down?!? I find the question quite incredulous as I told the foreman to coordinate with the party responsible to fix the leaking roof first, before thinking of moving any stuff. He then proceeded to call some other parties.
What a Saturday. Thought I could at last start doing some non-urgent work for today's half day of work. Blame it on the rain.
Today, I became a victim of the rain. They say it tends to rain in Dubai for not more than a week in a year. Well, I have heard that flooding can be a problem. I have seen for myself the great jam the poor drainage system had caused. 2 out of 7 lanes being unusable is quite a big deal, not to mention the frequency of road accidents here given the higher speed limit and the way of driving here.
Just to clarify, I wasn't referring to being stuck in the jam in being victimised. It was kind of worse than that. This morning, I entered my office to find that my department area is flooded. The carpet is wet. Not a big deal for me. The documents being wet was some of a deal for me. Perhaps I should give thanks that my workstation is largely intact i.e. PCs still usable, whereas another department was virtually drenched by water......
Something that amazed me was the work culture here. I have heard of such stories but today, I am a real witness to testify. Instead of going to where the action is i.e. pumping out the source of water leakage, a total of 10 over workers assembled at the worst hit area in the office, awaiting confirmation to move the office stuff so that they could change the carpet.
Goodness. Didn't they see that the water was still dripping down?!? I find the question quite incredulous as I told the foreman to coordinate with the party responsible to fix the leaking roof first, before thinking of moving any stuff. He then proceeded to call some other parties.
What a Saturday. Thought I could at last start doing some non-urgent work for today's half day of work. Blame it on the rain.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Rain in Desert Land
Weather is changing... Gone are the gruelling days of summer when temperature could hit a merciless 48 degree celsius :( Now, winter is coming!
Yes! Winter! I never knew that in such a desert land, there is such a thing called "winter"! Not to mention about rain :) Have heard that it rain here once a year! This morning, I stepped out, expecting the usual cool wind. I got more than that... I realised that the ground are wet. It seemed more than dew.
Some colleagues said it is dew... Some said it is rain. My guess is it must be rain.... if not, how to explain the puddle of water at the side of the road? Whatever it is, I am looking forward to the rain! =D
Yes! Winter! I never knew that in such a desert land, there is such a thing called "winter"! Not to mention about rain :) Have heard that it rain here once a year! This morning, I stepped out, expecting the usual cool wind. I got more than that... I realised that the ground are wet. It seemed more than dew.
Some colleagues said it is dew... Some said it is rain. My guess is it must be rain.... if not, how to explain the puddle of water at the side of the road? Whatever it is, I am looking forward to the rain! =D
Taxi Adventures
Somehow, my previous posting did not get published. Hope this won't turn out to be a double-post! This is not a grumpy post. Rather, it's quite funny, though it is potentially worrying at the same time.
A kind colleague who drives alighted me near my place after work today. Thank God that I am spared the enduring wait of public (and crowded) buses. I proceeded to take a taxi from my alighting point but no taxis stopped. I “detoured” for 20 minutes to buy some essentials at the mall. Still, when I returned to the mall taxi stand, the queue was still equally long. I decided to wait, since my earlier wait elsewhere was fruitless.
When my turn finally came, I was thankfully pleased that this driver was very polite, friendly and spoke good English (easier to communicate). Again, I was mistaken as a Korean, if not, Japanese. Hmm… that means I am still pretty fair in complexion after almost 6 months in Dubai…
5 minutes into the journey, the first adventure occurred. A sudden hit! I thought the taxi was hit at the side by oncoming vehicles (the driver was turning out from a small road). Or did it hit the curb? The driver excused himself and exited the vehicle to inspect his damage. It was only when I turned around then I realised we were hit at the back by another car.
Oh… Why am I so “lucky”? I thought my journey would be even further delayed.
It was not so, thank God. Though the taxi driver did not manage to get any compensation (the other party refused to pay, he said), he proudly declared that his taxi was still in good condition, unlike the other driver’s car.
So, the journey continued. Only a few minutes of interruption.
I am thankful that this driver has a good temperament. I told him that it would be wonderful if most taxi drivers here are like him, since I had encountered quite a number of rude drivers. He agreed and added that he had learnt about customer service back in his country of origin.
Good – I thought.
In Dubai, it is common that taxi drivers asked questions, like where you come from, etc. I do likewise, in order to be build rapport and communication, so that I can give directions easier.
Towards the end of the journey, this driver asked me a common question: Is my family also here? I replied yes. I can’t believe what he said next! He actually said that if I were single, he “would not let me go”. Good grief!! My heart almost stopped. Was I hearing things???
The last gesture confirmed that I was not hallucinating. (No, I wasn’t molested – just in case your mind drifted). When I arrived at the villa and was due to pay the fare, I deliberately asked the driver to turn on the lights so that I can see my notes clearly. How else can I stop him from asking or saying crazy stuff?!
As I was short of smaller change, I told him to return me just 10 dirhams and keep the balance 4 dirhams. It is not uncommon here to leave the change for taxi drivers. My reason to let this driver keep the change was not just to quickly “get away” but I genuinely felt he deserved the “tips” since the journey was overall pleasant (minus the car bump and his unexpected expressions towards the end). The driver expressed his thanks for the tips. However, I tried really hard to suppress my laughter when he kissed the 10 dirhams note and gave me a big grin as he returned me the note.
What am I to make sense of that? Tell me! Hubby said I should sue him.
A kind colleague who drives alighted me near my place after work today. Thank God that I am spared the enduring wait of public (and crowded) buses. I proceeded to take a taxi from my alighting point but no taxis stopped. I “detoured” for 20 minutes to buy some essentials at the mall. Still, when I returned to the mall taxi stand, the queue was still equally long. I decided to wait, since my earlier wait elsewhere was fruitless.
When my turn finally came, I was thankfully pleased that this driver was very polite, friendly and spoke good English (easier to communicate). Again, I was mistaken as a Korean, if not, Japanese. Hmm… that means I am still pretty fair in complexion after almost 6 months in Dubai…
5 minutes into the journey, the first adventure occurred. A sudden hit! I thought the taxi was hit at the side by oncoming vehicles (the driver was turning out from a small road). Or did it hit the curb? The driver excused himself and exited the vehicle to inspect his damage. It was only when I turned around then I realised we were hit at the back by another car.
Oh… Why am I so “lucky”? I thought my journey would be even further delayed.
It was not so, thank God. Though the taxi driver did not manage to get any compensation (the other party refused to pay, he said), he proudly declared that his taxi was still in good condition, unlike the other driver’s car.
So, the journey continued. Only a few minutes of interruption.
I am thankful that this driver has a good temperament. I told him that it would be wonderful if most taxi drivers here are like him, since I had encountered quite a number of rude drivers. He agreed and added that he had learnt about customer service back in his country of origin.
Good – I thought.
In Dubai, it is common that taxi drivers asked questions, like where you come from, etc. I do likewise, in order to be build rapport and communication, so that I can give directions easier.
Towards the end of the journey, this driver asked me a common question: Is my family also here? I replied yes. I can’t believe what he said next! He actually said that if I were single, he “would not let me go”. Good grief!! My heart almost stopped. Was I hearing things???
The last gesture confirmed that I was not hallucinating. (No, I wasn’t molested – just in case your mind drifted). When I arrived at the villa and was due to pay the fare, I deliberately asked the driver to turn on the lights so that I can see my notes clearly. How else can I stop him from asking or saying crazy stuff?!
As I was short of smaller change, I told him to return me just 10 dirhams and keep the balance 4 dirhams. It is not uncommon here to leave the change for taxi drivers. My reason to let this driver keep the change was not just to quickly “get away” but I genuinely felt he deserved the “tips” since the journey was overall pleasant (minus the car bump and his unexpected expressions towards the end). The driver expressed his thanks for the tips. However, I tried really hard to suppress my laughter when he kissed the 10 dirhams note and gave me a big grin as he returned me the note.
What am I to make sense of that? Tell me! Hubby said I should sue him.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Traffic Woes
If I had the time to update this last night, it would be a super grumpy email ;{ Perhaps it would still be but it is definitely with less "steam" than last night... However, God's hands have moved and things may come to a better - in fact, much much better outcome :) Thus, I am in a more lighthearted mood as I write about yet another hair-tearing experience of my commuting in Dubai.
Each time the off-work hour is nearing, I would experience a mixture of feelings. The upside is that I could go back to unwind from work. However, the downside is the uncertainty of what kind of traffic madness I would be facing for the day......
I often hear people here say that without a car, it's very inconvenient. Having taken buses and taxis, I thought their words were just unjustifiable expressions from being too pampered by private transportation. I was proven wrong, as I began to take public transport on a daily basis - during peak hours. That made all the difference :s
So far, I had 2 very extreme experiences of feeling angry and upset to the point of almost tears!! The first time was when I could not board the bus, even after I had waited for the second bus to arrive (both the first bus and second bus were full). Attempts to hail a taxi were almost fruitless, as taxis stopped for others who suddenly appeared out of nowhere ahead of me. Otherwise, the numerous taxis that passed me by were occupied, if not, the driver chose not to stop. It was after more than half an hour before I managed to get into a taxi. By then, I had became so tired that I cancelled going to my original destination and headed back instead.
The other experience was even worse! It was 2 persons' anguish this time. Hubby and I called for a taxi to go the airport. We had called for the taxi in advance but waited in vain for more than 1 hour. Repeated calls were equally helpless. Hubby even walked out 20 minutes to the main road to hail for a taxi but to no avail. We were super worried that we might miss our fight! Thank God that a taxi responded to our call after more than an hour. His question of whether we could pay the road toil for him to quickly come over to us, was no longer worth asking. That tiny amount is nothing compared to missing a flight! For 2 persons!! I recalled that even after reaching the airport and knowing that we had ample time, hubby and I were still anxious. That was so stressful! It was after we had sat down and finished our meal then we started to "recover". What a less-than-desired "adventure"!
Apart from unreliable taxi reservation service, the taxi drivers here is another challenge. I thank God that not all are bad but just a few is enough to make your day bad. Had enough of taxi drivers being rude so I had learnt to behave beyond assertive to aggressive towards rude drivers. This is also another uncertainty: whether you end up returning in a pleasant or stress-filled journey.
For my journey from work back to my place, I usually take a taxi after my company bus alight me at a busy bus stop. Public buses are usually a disappointment so I had kind of given up. Taking a taxi saves me much more time; the extra spent on the fare is definitely worthwhile. It's not just time but physical energy spent walking back half an hour from the bus stop nearest to my place if I were to take the public bus, after its long winding road journey (and transfer of bus).
In returning back, though I needed to walk a bit to get to the spot where taxis are more likely to stop, it was not an issue. The road crossings were however not pedestrians-friendly and in fact are quite dangerous for those who were not as cautious or slow. The spot I eventually reached to wait for taxis is a hotspot. "Competitors" rally around the taxi whenever one care to stop. The driver thus has the advantage to choose his passenger...... I had ever taken one taxi when 2 other men desperately requested for car pooling. The driver was nice enough to ask if I am ok with the arrangement. Seeing that the 2 men were dressed in suits and seemed decent, I agreed. After all, their destination was along my way (they were even willing to accomodate with my preference, if any!). Later, I learnt that these 2 men had actually taken a bus from another more "remote" bus stop to that particular hotspot to take a taxi! I am not the only helpless victim of the transport system here after all.
A few days ago, I experienced another blow which finally pushed me to the edge. Enough. I shall for sure take up driving lessons, regardless of how much stricter the passing standards may have risen. That day, my company transport was late in picking the staff off work. 2 colleagues told me that I could board the other bus, since it would be passing by my dropoff spot. I checked with the driver and he readily agreed. So did one more staff who usually takes that bus back. Later, I realised that 3 extra staff (including me) boarded the bus. It was ample for all to sit but certainly not as cosy as before. All of us joked along the way and had fun. However, towards the end of my journey, a colleague whom I deem close told me that I should "stick to my (designated) bus"; she was of the view that all who are designated to whichever bus should follow the bus "in good times or bad times" i.e. even if the bus is late, you should jolly wait. I was very taken aback by her remarks but held my cool. If I had known that my boarding of that bus would cause such great inconvenience, I certainly would not have board it. That kind of in-your-face feedback that you are an unwelcome extra is really yucky. It wasn't bad to the extent that all of us were sitting shoulder to shoulder. I find it hard to understand the rationale, since such occasions are only exceptional. Why the need to be so "possessive" and so unwilling to share?
With that, I pray that my days of facing such stress on returning from work during peak hours could end soon. Hubby and I initially decided to rent a car (buying one is a problem currently due to some administrative issues). However, it seems that God has open up a better option...... We have committed that to Him and anticipate to see how things develop.
Stay tuned :)
Each time the off-work hour is nearing, I would experience a mixture of feelings. The upside is that I could go back to unwind from work. However, the downside is the uncertainty of what kind of traffic madness I would be facing for the day......
I often hear people here say that without a car, it's very inconvenient. Having taken buses and taxis, I thought their words were just unjustifiable expressions from being too pampered by private transportation. I was proven wrong, as I began to take public transport on a daily basis - during peak hours. That made all the difference :s
So far, I had 2 very extreme experiences of feeling angry and upset to the point of almost tears!! The first time was when I could not board the bus, even after I had waited for the second bus to arrive (both the first bus and second bus were full). Attempts to hail a taxi were almost fruitless, as taxis stopped for others who suddenly appeared out of nowhere ahead of me. Otherwise, the numerous taxis that passed me by were occupied, if not, the driver chose not to stop. It was after more than half an hour before I managed to get into a taxi. By then, I had became so tired that I cancelled going to my original destination and headed back instead.
The other experience was even worse! It was 2 persons' anguish this time. Hubby and I called for a taxi to go the airport. We had called for the taxi in advance but waited in vain for more than 1 hour. Repeated calls were equally helpless. Hubby even walked out 20 minutes to the main road to hail for a taxi but to no avail. We were super worried that we might miss our fight! Thank God that a taxi responded to our call after more than an hour. His question of whether we could pay the road toil for him to quickly come over to us, was no longer worth asking. That tiny amount is nothing compared to missing a flight! For 2 persons!! I recalled that even after reaching the airport and knowing that we had ample time, hubby and I were still anxious. That was so stressful! It was after we had sat down and finished our meal then we started to "recover". What a less-than-desired "adventure"!
Apart from unreliable taxi reservation service, the taxi drivers here is another challenge. I thank God that not all are bad but just a few is enough to make your day bad. Had enough of taxi drivers being rude so I had learnt to behave beyond assertive to aggressive towards rude drivers. This is also another uncertainty: whether you end up returning in a pleasant or stress-filled journey.
For my journey from work back to my place, I usually take a taxi after my company bus alight me at a busy bus stop. Public buses are usually a disappointment so I had kind of given up. Taking a taxi saves me much more time; the extra spent on the fare is definitely worthwhile. It's not just time but physical energy spent walking back half an hour from the bus stop nearest to my place if I were to take the public bus, after its long winding road journey (and transfer of bus).
In returning back, though I needed to walk a bit to get to the spot where taxis are more likely to stop, it was not an issue. The road crossings were however not pedestrians-friendly and in fact are quite dangerous for those who were not as cautious or slow. The spot I eventually reached to wait for taxis is a hotspot. "Competitors" rally around the taxi whenever one care to stop. The driver thus has the advantage to choose his passenger...... I had ever taken one taxi when 2 other men desperately requested for car pooling. The driver was nice enough to ask if I am ok with the arrangement. Seeing that the 2 men were dressed in suits and seemed decent, I agreed. After all, their destination was along my way (they were even willing to accomodate with my preference, if any!). Later, I learnt that these 2 men had actually taken a bus from another more "remote" bus stop to that particular hotspot to take a taxi! I am not the only helpless victim of the transport system here after all.
A few days ago, I experienced another blow which finally pushed me to the edge. Enough. I shall for sure take up driving lessons, regardless of how much stricter the passing standards may have risen. That day, my company transport was late in picking the staff off work. 2 colleagues told me that I could board the other bus, since it would be passing by my dropoff spot. I checked with the driver and he readily agreed. So did one more staff who usually takes that bus back. Later, I realised that 3 extra staff (including me) boarded the bus. It was ample for all to sit but certainly not as cosy as before. All of us joked along the way and had fun. However, towards the end of my journey, a colleague whom I deem close told me that I should "stick to my (designated) bus"; she was of the view that all who are designated to whichever bus should follow the bus "in good times or bad times" i.e. even if the bus is late, you should jolly wait. I was very taken aback by her remarks but held my cool. If I had known that my boarding of that bus would cause such great inconvenience, I certainly would not have board it. That kind of in-your-face feedback that you are an unwelcome extra is really yucky. It wasn't bad to the extent that all of us were sitting shoulder to shoulder. I find it hard to understand the rationale, since such occasions are only exceptional. Why the need to be so "possessive" and so unwilling to share?
With that, I pray that my days of facing such stress on returning from work during peak hours could end soon. Hubby and I initially decided to rent a car (buying one is a problem currently due to some administrative issues). However, it seems that God has open up a better option...... We have committed that to Him and anticipate to see how things develop.
Stay tuned :)
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Another Taxi Journey
This posting is a mixture of whiny and perhaps puzzling one... cos it started off bad but ended off well, I guess.
For the background, I ended up taking a taxi back today because of the maddening traffic condition here during peak hours. The day before, I had my first experience taking the company bus during peak hours. Aarrghh... the 45 minute turtle-style jam along Sheikh Zayed Road (notwithstanding its 7 lanes!) was so frustrating! Plus the fact that my body was on "low cell", I almost throw up! Thank God for the sweets I had. After alighting, it took me another 15 minutes for a cab to stop (some cabs 'consider' passengers on destination basis). By the time I reached home, I was truly peng-shan.
Thus, today I decided against taking the company bus and instead try out an alternate way. My original plan was to take a public bus (gotta walk out for about 20 minutes) then transfer to a cab (no buses come into the 'deep' end where I stay). *Sigh* I saw my bus passed me by again (it had happened for the previous 2 times). This time round as I walked on, I realised the bus stop seemed to have moved! Funny thing is that here, not every bus stop has a distinctive bus stop sign. I recalled previously, I realised that a particular spot was the bus stop only after I stopped to ask a person (who was at that spot waiting for the bus).
How do I know for sure that the bus stop has moved? Cos' I recalled taking photos at the bus stop, where I would not have gone past the twin towers! Where is the familar make-shift seats and site office? Would I be waiting at the correct place if I just anyhow 'park' myself there?
When a cab was passing by, I swiftly waved my hand for it. Rather not risk walking to nowhere and having to wait in vain for more than half an hour, especially when it's turning dark.
Into the cab I went... I had learnt to talk to taxi drivers here more assertively, even aggressively when necessary... I recalled scolding a downright rude taxi driver (one of the 2 drivers whom I had scolded). I cannot take it when his misunderstanding of my words and his own impatience gave way to rudeness and repeated scolding. Hello?! I don't owe you any favors because I sit in a car driven by you! I pay for your service and I am your boss! Which employee scold the boss and get away with it? Of course those were not my exact words to the driver. I told that rude driver off repeatedly that he was rude and questioned why he was treating customers in that manner. At the end of that journey after I had paid the fare, he returned me the change with a more respectful "Thank You".
For this driver, I thought the manner he replied "Ok" was unyielding, after I told him my destination and the directions i.e. which (jam) road to avoid. Inside me, I was thinking this better not be another egoistic driver who cannot receive instructions. I was not rude or commanding in my tone.
Later, this driver put on earphones. I wondered how he would be able to listen to my instructions when I needed to tell him where to turn. The music that blasted out from his earphones are typical Indian or local music, or maybe Pakistan. Maybe I should be thankful that this driver did not blast the entire taxi with such music but exercised some consideration...
As the driver drove past the narrow and construction-ladden road, we witnessed some labourers arguing loudly - in the middle of the narrow roads near traffic barricades. The driver actually laughed and commented "Fighting!" God knows what he was thinking!
I asked the driver if Jumeirah roads would be jam at this hour. He replied "Everywhere jam" (at this hour). How I wish he could be more encouraging. Later, he said "too many Chinese" which I interpretated as his stated reason for the heavy traffic (hope I was wrong). I wondered what the driver really meant! I told him I had seen more Fillipinos and Indians here than Chinese. I added that the traffic was bad here probably due to the high number of cars.
I took the opportunity to ask him if he could hear me if I were to give him road directions, since he was listening to his earphones. He replied affirmatively "No problem" and added that I could tap his shoulder, as he demostrated to me by tapping his own rather forcifully.
At the end of the journey, he actually thanked me and wished me good night. Am glad that the journey back today was a pleasant one and the driver was not annoying. Ha!
For the background, I ended up taking a taxi back today because of the maddening traffic condition here during peak hours. The day before, I had my first experience taking the company bus during peak hours. Aarrghh... the 45 minute turtle-style jam along Sheikh Zayed Road (notwithstanding its 7 lanes!) was so frustrating! Plus the fact that my body was on "low cell", I almost throw up! Thank God for the sweets I had. After alighting, it took me another 15 minutes for a cab to stop (some cabs 'consider' passengers on destination basis). By the time I reached home, I was truly peng-shan.
Thus, today I decided against taking the company bus and instead try out an alternate way. My original plan was to take a public bus (gotta walk out for about 20 minutes) then transfer to a cab (no buses come into the 'deep' end where I stay). *Sigh* I saw my bus passed me by again (it had happened for the previous 2 times). This time round as I walked on, I realised the bus stop seemed to have moved! Funny thing is that here, not every bus stop has a distinctive bus stop sign. I recalled previously, I realised that a particular spot was the bus stop only after I stopped to ask a person (who was at that spot waiting for the bus).
How do I know for sure that the bus stop has moved? Cos' I recalled taking photos at the bus stop, where I would not have gone past the twin towers! Where is the familar make-shift seats and site office? Would I be waiting at the correct place if I just anyhow 'park' myself there?
When a cab was passing by, I swiftly waved my hand for it. Rather not risk walking to nowhere and having to wait in vain for more than half an hour, especially when it's turning dark.
Into the cab I went... I had learnt to talk to taxi drivers here more assertively, even aggressively when necessary... I recalled scolding a downright rude taxi driver (one of the 2 drivers whom I had scolded). I cannot take it when his misunderstanding of my words and his own impatience gave way to rudeness and repeated scolding. Hello?! I don't owe you any favors because I sit in a car driven by you! I pay for your service and I am your boss! Which employee scold the boss and get away with it? Of course those were not my exact words to the driver. I told that rude driver off repeatedly that he was rude and questioned why he was treating customers in that manner. At the end of that journey after I had paid the fare, he returned me the change with a more respectful "Thank You".
For this driver, I thought the manner he replied "Ok" was unyielding, after I told him my destination and the directions i.e. which (jam) road to avoid. Inside me, I was thinking this better not be another egoistic driver who cannot receive instructions. I was not rude or commanding in my tone.
Later, this driver put on earphones. I wondered how he would be able to listen to my instructions when I needed to tell him where to turn. The music that blasted out from his earphones are typical Indian or local music, or maybe Pakistan. Maybe I should be thankful that this driver did not blast the entire taxi with such music but exercised some consideration...
As the driver drove past the narrow and construction-ladden road, we witnessed some labourers arguing loudly - in the middle of the narrow roads near traffic barricades. The driver actually laughed and commented "Fighting!" God knows what he was thinking!
I asked the driver if Jumeirah roads would be jam at this hour. He replied "Everywhere jam" (at this hour). How I wish he could be more encouraging. Later, he said "too many Chinese" which I interpretated as his stated reason for the heavy traffic (hope I was wrong). I wondered what the driver really meant! I told him I had seen more Fillipinos and Indians here than Chinese. I added that the traffic was bad here probably due to the high number of cars.
I took the opportunity to ask him if he could hear me if I were to give him road directions, since he was listening to his earphones. He replied affirmatively "No problem" and added that I could tap his shoulder, as he demostrated to me by tapping his own rather forcifully.
At the end of the journey, he actually thanked me and wished me good night. Am glad that the journey back today was a pleasant one and the driver was not annoying. Ha!
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