I have learned to have on hand a trusty "Travel 10" bus card, I have downloaded the app on my phone that gives me the times and schedules of the trains, buses and ferries. I have figured out that bus M54 takes me to Epping, Carlingford and Paramatta, And bus "292" takes me to the shopping centre. I have learned which side of the street to stand on to catch the right bus going the right way.
I can "read" and understand! the train boards and know which platform to stand on so I catch the right train going the right way.
In the beginning I did get on the "right bus" on the "wrong side of the street" but only once!
I also got on the "right train" going the "wrong way" but again, only once.
All a learning curve and all an adventure.
I know that most mornings at my bus stop I will see the little man who sings "opera" to the waiting people, belting it out at the loudest vocals he can and then will bow to the cars at the stop light, he also has very interesting conversations out loud with the other people that apparently reside inside his head, but it is cute and entertaining and he has no care as to what people think, he is living his life his way.
I have met another fellow traveler at the bus stop who immigrated here from Thailand, is finishing up Uni and working at a bank. He questions me daily about life in the USA and what it is like and how I like it.
I had a "close" encounter with a fellow bus rider when the driver slammed on the brakes and the man behind me was thrown forward almost hitting the back of my head, after recovering he leaned forward and said "sorry sweetheart, if I kissed the back of your head it wasn't intentional!"
I have observed school children, young mothers, elderly people going for their daily grocery shop, visitors, travelers and business people. Everyone going about life as they make their way through the journey of life.
Taking public transportation has taught me a lot, I get to observe people, watch the scenery go by, not having to concentrate on driving I am free to observe, watch, listen and see so much more!
I have enjoyed the train rides into the city, crossing the harbour bridge and looking at the beautiful sight of the Opera House glistening in the sun, the water bright blue and gorgeous, the boats and occasionally a cruise ship in the harbour. I have arrived at Wynyard Station and been engulfed in the rush of people going from destination to destination. I have taken the train to the airport, all by myself! Finding that the start of a vacation can start the minute you walk out of the house as I make my way to the bus stop and then the train station, changing in the city to the train that will take me to the airport..... something I would never have done in the USA.
I have had the pleasure of taking the ferry a few times and it is always a treat. From Circular Quay you can take it to Manly Beach which is the most beautiful ferry ride ever, the views of the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, the City are amazing. On a sunny day this is an adventure I could do again and again and again.
The downside of "no car" is this. Last Saturday I needed to get some groceries, so I loaded up my bags for the groceries, put on my walking shoes and headed to the bus stop, it was a hot and muggy day so I decided to take the bus to the shoppes instead of walking. I get to the bus stop and check my phone only to discover that the bus comes once an hour on the weekend, not every 15 min. I had just missed the bus so I had 56 minutes to wait in the heat and the sun for the next bus, or to walk the 3 plus k's to the shopping centre. So yes there is a down side! I opted to walk to a closer shop which is really just a "mini mart" and the prices are much higher and the selection limited.... I did get enough of the groceries I needed to survive and I didn't die of heat stroke so again it was an "adventure!"
My experience with "planes, trains, buses and ferries" has been one of the best adventures on this journey I have had. I have loved being "forced" to figure out how to get where I want to go and enjoyed the adventure along the way.
Some of the views I have experienced on public transportation!
travel on!
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