#145 - Master Public Transport
One of those iconic Melbourne Trams… Ding!
The Why:
One of the difficulties I’ve had has been over the past 10 years with illness, which has prevented me from travelling. For me, this challenge was an acid test, a trial by fire if you will, with regards to the durability of my healing and recovery. This was a herculean task for me, and in completing this it would set the benchmark for future endeavours.
Was my framework battle hardened enough for this? Let’s find out!
The How:
The challenge was to travel by air on Friday with Qantas from Adelaide to Melbourne, then to catch Sky Bus from the airport to Southern Cross Station in the CBD. From there I was to check into a hotel which was opposite the station. The following morning, I was to catch Tram 11 from Spencer Street to a Baptist Church in West Preston. After the wedding, I had to catch the Tram back to the CBD, and with a few hours rest under my belt at the hotel, I caught a Train from Southern Cross Station out to a suburb called Box Hill for a 4 hour dinner. I caught the train back at the conclusion of the dinner to the CBD, purchased an ice cream from a local convenience store, and took a moment to enjoy a checkpoint in the test. The following morning on the Sunday, I caught Tram 58 to the Victoria Street Markets from Flinders Street, then back to my hotel, with some walking around to and fro, observing the sights and sounds amongst the atmosphere of the CBD. The following day on Monday I was to travel by Skybus again, back to the airport and onto a flight to Adelaide - back onto home soil and familiarity!
Lessons Learnt:
Make sure you have a transport card for your public transport network. For Melbourne it is MyKi.
You need to flag trams to get them to stop - which I did!
You need to step out into the middle of the road to board trams - which I did!
Watch for Trams when crossing the road at designated crossings - which I watched someone do before attempting to do myself.
When driving, you need to give way to passengers getting on and off trams - lesson for when I drive in Melbourne!
Remember to plan toilet breaks when travelling on public transport, and don’t consume too much liquid while journeying!
When in doubt, ask someone! Melbourne people may look standoffish, however, they were quick to provide assistance!
Status:
Complete! This was an incredible personal achievement for me.
I am in the process of unpacking this experience, however I am truly thrilled to have pulled this off.
Looking forward to continuing the journey… ding! (Tram sound).