Shedding the luxury vehicle for a bus pass has been pretty positive so far. We've made several observations riding Charleston's bus system for the first full week since we've given up our car. First, we feel more engaged in our own lives. Making this change kind of shook us into a new reality. We now understand the level of isolation we imposed on ourselves being confined to our personal vehicle with a lazy eye on the situation beyond the windshield. No wonder it's difficult for Americans to relate to one another. All sorts of new ideas are being concocted since shifting our own paradigm.
We've observed others, and find people watching highly entertaining. Like when actually witnessing two dudes discuss with great fervor, their dual alien experiences. We weren't eavesdropping, no need with this newly united pair. Dude One would whisper his "experiences," only to be immediately broadcast by Dude Two. In his obvious excitement to have found another believer, he totally missed the whole thing about Dude One WHISPERING the info to him, i.e. let's keep this a secret, man. Then as a police car passed the bus, they go into a Cop Killa tirade revealing they are both riding the bus because they have recently received DUIs. Perfect. Yeah, bet the lights of the mothership were swirling all around above a black and white vehicle waiting to take you away. Anyway, yeah. There's just not much more one can say about that situation.
Last, we've observed oil skyrocketing over the last week. Since our last entry, public transportation vs. Jaguar, oil reaches $82.16 with a massive Fed rate cut as Alan Greenspan, on a book tour, finally admits the war is "largely" over oil. Maybe people out there will finally listen to Easy Al, rather than our big mouths.
On the hopeful side, we are looking into solar power, sticking with the bus ride and biking for now. Making this shift has been really good. We've got it wrong here in America. We seem to believe the soul is satisfied only after the ego. In reality it's quite the opposite.
BTW, to those of you laughing at The Cosmpomopitan Charlestonian blogging about simply riding a public bus - we realize this is perfectly acceptable behavior in other, normal (not Southern) cities. Although we love and have much respect for our lovely City, here in Charleston, riding CARTA to many is like walking on the moon. Or more shocking, spotting an alien hiding behind a bush!
Regardless, so far we're happy with our choice. You're welcome to share your experiences with our public transportation system, or just say hi!
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Into Week Two - Curing the Oil Addiction Follow-Up
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2 comments:
I've had limited experiences with public transportation, but the few times I have used it have been positive. I now live in an area that has no form of mass transit whatsoever. I admire the guts it takes to give up the convenience of owning a car. So some may be laughing at you, but I know I could sure put those car payments/insurance/maintenance hassles/gas money to better use. Anyway, I doubt they're laughing much at the gas pump these days.
Thanks, Mad Hatter! Appreciate the words of encouragement. And, the only thing we can say about the recent upward jolt in oil prices is, WOW! It's so unfortunate that so many are left with so few options, other than to continue a dependency on oil. A few years ago we visited the Netherlands. In Holland we discovered parking garages for BIKES! And their water restraint systems and infrastructure are designed to a 1,000 year standard. American? 100 years max. Yep, There Goes the Neighborhood, for sure. Makes you wonder about the forethought of those suburban locales, ay?
If you have to commute, you might try making less unnecessary stops, or grocery shop with a friend and split the gas money. We've found it very invigorating just breaking out of our normal routine via this effort. Take care and visit often.
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