It always frustrated me, the buzz of the city. As much as I love living in big cities, I would have to say it is not easy. When you work in Dubai or Abu Dhabi and you have to go back home after a long busy day, driving on the highway with all the people in a hurry and the lights flashing all around you from every corner, it is frustrating indeed.
I found my self very tired when I reached home, barely could move to make a sandwich or even coffee.. sleeping as early as a new born, I decided, it was time to find a solution.
For those of you who don't know Sheikh Zayed Road, Sometimes you have to pay for parking your car in some areas. I used to work in one of those areas and I got 4 parking tickets for being 10 minutes late from paying. At the end, I found myself paying over 500 Dirhams for parking each month. It was really the time to find a solution.
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| Photo by: Kinan Jarjous / @jarofjuice |
I started taking the Metro, it took almost 35 minutes from where I work till I reach home, In that time, I walked to the station, I read books, and I made new friends. So I actually had almost a one hour of me time everyday. I managed to read two of my favorite novels, and I found I had more energy by the time I got home. I didn't have to worry about the car or the driving back and forth from work.
So it became a lifestyle for me, I started taking the Metro where ever I wanted to go, it basically links Dubai, from Jebel Ali Station to Al-Rashidiya Station, you get to see Dubai and it's landmarks, and find your stop so easily. And once you get out of some stations, you'll find a line of buses and taxis waiting for passengers. So even your house wasn't close to the station, you'll still manage to take the bus or the taxi, or even your car if you park it near.
It looks like a space station, and you get the feeling of being at an airport when you are inside. The trains are super clean and tidy. Nobody is allowed to eat or drink anything while on board, if someone gets caught chewing even a gum they'll get a fine. It is indeed something very comforting for me!
I truly enjoy it, and it is my choice, to be able to have sometime to think rather than concentrate on driving and speed limits, socializing with people you would never meet at work or social gatherings, reading your favorite books, checking your e-mail or calling people you haven't called for a while. For me, it's a win win situation.
