Self-absorbing Bus Rides & Elusiveness of Time

Last week was quite eventful and not to mention very remorseful to me. One incident being a friend's brother dying in a high speed car crash while driving at 170 kmph along with 5 others on a windy road. This happened while going down south, and I'm told the driver and everyone else were under the influence of alcohol. Ripping at such lightening speeds the driver missed a turn and rammed right into a coconut tree which snapped in two on impact, and after that the car landed in a stream nearby. It had taken area residents about 45 min to get all the people out of the car; by looking at photos of the car it was totally smashed. The car was a brand new Benz S350 owned by the driver who happened to have a rich businessman dad. It was a sad state of affairs, but every action has its own equal and opposite reaction.

Last Saturday while having a small bite to eat near a road side shop before classes I noticed a couple under a shady tree having a carefree time. The shop I was in is near the beach situated on Marine Drive -a stretch of coastal road connecting a few important areas of Colombo, and famous for reckless driving- with a satisfactory view of the sea. If you cross the railway tracks the beach is only a few feet away. While munching on my snacks I observed (something I do very well) the behaviour and body language of the couple coming to a conclusion that both were in their own world oblivious to everything around them. At the same time I wondered what could they be talking about for such a long time?? And how do you sustain such a scenario? I guess I would never understand it until I'm in that situation too. The more I think relationship's are not for me, the more external factors seem to reinforce that theory!!

On a physical note, my right wrist is giving me some serious pain due to some strained veins. I have nothing else but to thank my office computer and mouse for this. I wonder if there are other factors to this also?! Basically, I cant rest my hand on a flat surface because the veins running near my wrist start to pain. The pain travels up my arm a little and dies away naturally, but the initial pain is somewhat unbearable. It's also the same when I write something. Under doctor's orders I've been told to wear a wrist guard accompanied by a gel I have to apply before wearing it. I just hope it gets better soon since my gym sessions are affected by this; not going to gym is a precaution I'm taking because the risks and consequences will be greater if there's an injury.

Going in the bus is quite enjoyable in the sense that you get to think and ponder about different things. I wish I had a car but since don't its better to enjoy what I already have. Plus, you get to see a wide cross-section of society in the many buses. I just look and observe at the various people in the bus and what they do; to me it's interesting in a quirky way.

So... there you are, at the moment I'm into observing people. Weird right?!?

Balik kampung

Ever since my first visit to JB -way back in my first semester- I've always been fond of the place. JB is where I went to escape from all the routine headaches of university life. I felt re-energized the first time I came here because back then, I was still adapting. Adapting to an academic life that was alien to me mostly, but one I had undergo nonetheless. As time passed, I have come again and again to JB, and it still feels like the first time. Lovely and refreshing. It lets me clear a lot of things in my head, a change of environment, better food and a closer sense of belonging.

I got on a bus to JB on Saturday nearing mid-afternoon. I meant to leave earlier, but the bed beckoned to stay a few minutes longer before I depart. How could I say no such a request?? As we moved out of KL, I started to read the book from where I left off beginning of the semester- The Kite Runner. I was lost in the book and hardly felt the time pass. I travelled to San Jose, Kabul, Peshawar, then Fremont; visualised images of the author that were in print. Then from time to time gazed out of my window to see the palm trees in plain sight and the mountains yonder. I looked the opposite way and saw clouds floating to a borderless sky. A thought crossed my mind- what if I could be a cloud. It might sound absurd, even delusional, but to me it was quite appealing. Clouds are so light, can take many shapes, go anywhere they wish. I was so engrossed in the book that I didn't even eat lunch when the bus stopped. Just hopped out to get a drink and came straight back to continue reading. I tried to imagine if a Sri Lankan were to write a novel like this. I daresay, it would be one hell of a tale depending on the writer's perception of war. There would be bias, of course, and a cocktail of personal trauma, grief, animosity etc. Condition of the bus was very poor, it didn't even have a foot rest. To make things a bit more exciting, whenever the bus started to accelerate the shocks would make a squeaking noise positively related to increase in speed. Oh joy, it felt like going on one of those kids rides.

I still have to finish the book, which will take about a day or so.

My holiday is going great thus far. The food is blowing my mind not to mention my senses as well. The mango chutney today sent me to another dimension beyond wordy description. It really feels good to get out of the 'boring' hostel life. I am ready for something new now, something more exciting and challenging. From now on it doesn't have to be about lecturers, carry marks, mid terms or assignment. But that does not mean there is less responsibility.

I am quite disappointed with the fellows in my faculty. Saying the word 'disappointed' would be an understatement of the highest order. We are supposed to be equipped with managerial skills, but apparently no one had the idea of organising a graduation party. In my defence, all I can say is that I'm a international student, thus having no say in the matter- or any matter. I mean why couldn't we even do a lame one?? From my previous experience: lame is what we aimed for!! well, it's over now so let's just let it go.

This shit is crazy!!

One thing about the Arabs that I've learnt is that they have a lot of money- thats it. Apart from money these folk hardly have any brains, quite sorry to say. Arabs were once intelligent and gave the world a lot of knowledge, but all that has evaporated into thin air. Where all that knowledge went, only God knows. The following clip is very daring and at the same time scary no doubt, but what's the point? The only positive thing I see about it is the roads in Saudi are very smooth. I think Arabs are the most money wasting people alive. At least, it is good to know they can improvise something. Maybe these people can get creative in solving the Middle East conflict!?! Hmm, I can only wonder.

One heck of a ride...

This entry is coming after a very very long time. Due to my academic commitments blogging had to take a break. Since the mid semester break started I was anxious to go to JB. I hadn't seen my nephew in a long while. I missed the cute and naughty little boy like crazy.

On Sunday, I packed my bags and left uni about 1pm and reached the bus terminal an hour later. When I inquired with my usual coach service I would have to wait until 7pm to get a seat. This was of course out of the question. I am never the one to buy tickets without knowing the quality of service provided by a company, but I had little choice. I bought a ticket from a lady who said the bus is leaving at that instant, that being 2pm. When I reached the bus it was already full, which I did not see as a good sign. A guy with a walkie-talkie was quick to assure me that another coach is coming shortly. Little did I know his version of 'shortly' measures to about 2 hours. Until my coach arrived a lot was happening in the surroundings. I was inhaling carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and sulphur dioxide from the fumes of the many other coaches around me. I was guilty of second hand smoking thanks to many men, and also not to mention women. Let me be blunt for a second; a smoking woman just drives me potty. I am not the one to ruin the argument on gender equality, but smoking just takes the feminine touch out of a woman. I passed my time thinking of ways to clobber and mutilate the servicemen who promised me an early coach, and not living up to it. Business ethics is in a very sorry state. My patience was wearing very thin and if it was back home the scenario would have got a bit ugly.

I finally got a the coach at about 4pm and sat down exhausted. Standing for 2 hours with a bag is certainly not very comforting to ones back and spine. I was on the road and started to read 'Men's Health' in order to get an update on what's new in a man's world. An hour into the ride things started to get very cold, and the culprit was the air-con. I think people are seriously given the wrong impression about the air-con. Its to keep people cool from the heat and humidity, and not to make them feel as if they are in Antarctica. If the freezing was not enough, I was starting to feel hungry around that time. Coming colour was definitely not any good. Halfway through the journey, I made up my mind about the freezing air-con and hunger. It was really starting to work, and what happened next made me lose my cool. The dimwit sitting next to me decided to take off his shoes and put it up on his seat. The stench from his socks was just unforgivable. I am certain he missed a lot of lessons on etiquette throughout his life, and despising this ass was hardly an issue. I felt like vomiting on his face, and then stuffing one sock in his mouth while choking him with the other. It certainly would have been a very satisfying means of revenge, not to mention fitting from my perspective. Did I mention that the driver talk on the phone as if he is addressing the political rally?? Well, that chap talking is an ear full, no doubt. One thought flashed clearly in mind, and that was "this is really not your day, dear boy!!"

Reaching Skudai gave me much relief due to obvious reasons that I had to undergo during the journey. Next time I will not travel in another coach service than my usual one due to incidents of this sort. Thus, I wish to forget this foul episode from my short term memory, but I fear it will stay for sometime. Do note that harmful notions only develop when I am subjected to extreme mental pressure. Apart from that I am a very cool person, I assure you!!

A commuter’s training schedule

Many things come to mind when one ponders and goes back in time about the many experiences encountered while patronizing the subway. More often than not, those memories are seldom anything that can put a smile on your face. It makes me shrug and shake my head most of the time.

Having been a regular commuter for the past 2 months, I’m now ready to throw in the towel and call it a day. I can’t bear it when the recording goes “next station…..” It didn’t take long to memorise all the stops along the way, that’s for sure. Writing up a commuter training schedule at the inception is a very tedious & arduous thing to do, especially for a beginner. A beginner is oblivious to the many trials and hurdles that maybe thrown into his/her path. It requires a lot of commuting on a daily basis. This way you soak up a lot of things, which can be good, bad and not forgetting the ugly.

It is paramount that a person considering daily travel in the subway takes up special training in order to adapt to life inside the train. Inside the train can be defined as: “the wrong place at the wrong time can be detrimental.” Firstly, everyone should undergo a course in ‘contortionist 101’, which deals with adjusting ones posture to the given situation. It comprises bending, arching, twisting, balancing and many other routines; ultimately achieving a state of bodily divinity. It will come of use beyond any shadow of doubt. As the laws of physics are applied on the body, there are two choices. Either you fight it or give in to it. Since the former choice is being held in high regard the course will do wonders.

Secondly, rugby skills can be incorporated, which teach shoving and repelling a forward charge. Methodology and application of this technique will vary from those who are big made from those who aren’t. This is crucial if a commuter is stranded near the door at the time of embarkation. At moments like this holding on to ones patch of rubbery flooring is of the essence. Toughening up the body, conditioning muscles as well as impact absorption are infused into the curriculum. Being tough physically will enable a commuter to withstand a long commute and still have energy after disembarkation. We don’t want them to fall like flies now, do we??

We are not done yet!!! Culminating the training is a couple of tips on hygiene. Tall people should be told to wear deodorant since someone obviously will be under there armpit. Coughing, sneezing, grunts and any other sounds should be controlled as best. Farting in the train is taboo under any circumstances (applies to office hours only). Further modifications to the training will be notified in due course.