Friday, March 29, 2013
Friday, March 8, 2013
Tips for coping in the big city!
...having lived in the country, things can suddenly be so daunting when there is endless traffic, people walking blindly down the streets playing with their phones..the list of annoyances go on!
So, the past 3 months have been really tricky for me to re-adapt to the city life....for so many reasons, so I have to remember my own tips and advice so I can handle this crazy city that is Tokyo.
1) The Road Parallel...
Tokyo is a bizarre city. Just seconds away from a three tier highway, take a turning off and you will suddenly find yourself surrounded by a peaceful setting. There might be some quaint old houses, even a temple if you are lucky - whatever you find, there will be a spot of serenity, even if you are just walking to work, you will appreciate the time out from the noise and traffic.
2) Avoid the subway...
Even if you happen to live right by a train station, taking the subway for your commute is not always the justified option. Subways are so oppressive, in any country!! In Tokyo, if you haven't planned your carriage correctly, you might force yourself to walk the length of the platform behind the commuter hoards pigeon-footing it to the next change-over. PAINFUL. I would take the crowded, over-packed (famed for its perverts!) Saikyo sen over the subway any day! Besides, grab the women only carriage and you will be just fine!
3) Switch OFF!
OK - I HATE electronic devices...or at least people using them like they are stick to their hands!! I say this and I was one of them a few years ago...Crikey!! But seriously, people will be in your face, because of lack of space, lack of awareness of space and sheer stupidity...If you can't turn off your phone, at least turn off to the annoying people around you...Stand your ground but don't be mean...I actually saw a stand off yesterday where the two involved actually came close to a fight (never happens here). When travelling, I think you have to imagine that no one else is there...! Stupid, I know but really, these commuters are invisible to me!!!
....as of 8th March, this list stands at 3 points...I may add to it progressively, I may not...
Any further tips that you want to share yourself?? Please do!!!!
So, the past 3 months have been really tricky for me to re-adapt to the city life....for so many reasons, so I have to remember my own tips and advice so I can handle this crazy city that is Tokyo.
1) The Road Parallel...
Tokyo is a bizarre city. Just seconds away from a three tier highway, take a turning off and you will suddenly find yourself surrounded by a peaceful setting. There might be some quaint old houses, even a temple if you are lucky - whatever you find, there will be a spot of serenity, even if you are just walking to work, you will appreciate the time out from the noise and traffic.
2) Avoid the subway...
Even if you happen to live right by a train station, taking the subway for your commute is not always the justified option. Subways are so oppressive, in any country!! In Tokyo, if you haven't planned your carriage correctly, you might force yourself to walk the length of the platform behind the commuter hoards pigeon-footing it to the next change-over. PAINFUL. I would take the crowded, over-packed (famed for its perverts!) Saikyo sen over the subway any day! Besides, grab the women only carriage and you will be just fine!3) Switch OFF!
OK - I HATE electronic devices...or at least people using them like they are stick to their hands!! I say this and I was one of them a few years ago...Crikey!! But seriously, people will be in your face, because of lack of space, lack of awareness of space and sheer stupidity...If you can't turn off your phone, at least turn off to the annoying people around you...Stand your ground but don't be mean...I actually saw a stand off yesterday where the two involved actually came close to a fight (never happens here). When travelling, I think you have to imagine that no one else is there...! Stupid, I know but really, these commuters are invisible to me!!!
....as of 8th March, this list stands at 3 points...I may add to it progressively, I may not...
Any further tips that you want to share yourself?? Please do!!!!
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