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And since winter is here, the negativity has heightened, especially travel-wise.
I’ve been happy and feeling quite fortunate about my travelling situation to and from work. I take the train every morning and every afternoon as many South Africans do daily; however we often hear complaints from various commuters sometimes.
I enjoy travelling by train more than I’d like to admit and I often don’t see the fuss, unless I’m really anxious to get to my destination. Previously, we saw the worst things to travel by train, but there are so many good things too. So, stop being a wet blanket and check out these eight reasons to love travelling by train:
• Catching up on some zzzzz
There’s nothing better than sleeping on a train, provided that you’re in a half-full carriage. Alongside the motion of the train, its sound is like a lullaby and makes you really sleepy. It’s great catching up on some shut-eye just before work, or after a long working day… just don’t oversleep and forget to get off at your station.
• ‘My love don't cost a thing’
I don’t know about JLo, but I love anything that’s cheaper and accessible. And let’s face it, travelling by train is WAY cheaper than travelling by car. You don't need to waste money on petrol and all you have to do is buy a ticket. The distance between where you live and your destination can sometimes set you back, but the cool thing about a train ticket is that’s valid for the duration of the time you buy it, either daily, weekly or monthly.
• You’re safe – most of the time
If you are a regular train commuter, you’ll know how safe the trains are. Sometimes you’ll hear about muggings or theft, but it seldom happens. If you travel by the same train and in the same carriage every day, you’ll start seeing familiar faces. This is great, as you silently and subconsciously form bonds and feel safer with those familiar faces, travelling on the same route every day.
• Flexible times
You’re running a few minutes late, not to worry, just take the next train. That’s one of the cool things about taking the train, they work on flexible hours. The only thing you need is patience, which many seldom have in this day and age. Just make sure you’re on the right line and train, because that will be rather, uh, embarrassing – yes, I will judge you… then I’ll help you.
• Me time
One of the best reasons for travelling on the train is time for yourself. I love having my thoughts to myself sometimes and that’s what I love about the train. There are so many things to do, such as reading a book or newspaper, playing on your cellphone, listening to music, or even just staring in the distance and using the time for some contemplation and introspection. I adore the serenity (depending if you’re in a quiet carriage) the train offers, because sometimes you just need to be by yourself.
• No traffic
I often hear about the traffic in the morning on the N1/N2 and I just smile, because I’m never stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic. That’s another good reason to travel by train, no hassle with stopping and going. Yes, the train will have its two-way stops, but it’s not as bad as being stuck in traffic for hours every day.
• Meeting new people
You find and meet interesting people on the train, simply by sitting next to them and just engaging in a polite conversation. I’ve formed bonds with various people that I’ve only met and seen on the train and at a station. It’s great to meet new people and share ideas and stories. You literally never know who you’re going to meet and the conversations you sometimes hear are unbelievable.
• Grocery shopping
Are you hungry? No problem, just stop at any station and there’ll be snacks and refreshments to keep your stomach happy. And if you’re lazy, they’ll come to you. But hang on, it’s not just food, some vendors sell anything, from disprins to USB sticks to earphones, even dresses (yes, ladies, but it’s only one-of-a-kind, naturally). It’s amazing the things you can buy at a train station, it amazes me every time and sometimes they’re so tempting, because it’s such a bargain. I have to resist the urge to spend money on frivolous things.
What do you love about travelling on the train? Share your stories on the comment section below.
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