I'm a frequent commuter on the RIPAS Shuttle and the recently introduced JPMC Shuttle. Not only do I find it convenient but apparently my two-year-old son happens to enjoy the short bus ride and what's more awesome about it, it is free of charge too.
I can recall the pre-RIPAS Shuttle era, when I was usually stuck in 'unnecessary' traffic when going for hospital appointments.
I recall a comment made by a foreigner colleague of mine on how lazy we Bruneians are when it comes to walking any distance. It was amusing when we used to argue where to park when we were out shopping. I always demanded to park the car at the nearest space to the entrance.
"You Bruneians are so pampered, it's no wonder most of you complain about having to walk on foot whenever you're abroad," she said to me, adding that this explained why people would constantly whine about having backaches.
Back to my being stuck in an unnecessary traffic story, with 'unnecessary' being the operative word. It was apparently caused by an ignorant 20-something guy, presumably a local - judging from his accent.
He conveniently parked his car by the roadside at the hospital compound, blocking one of the hospital's entrances normally used by staff to drop off food supplies.
While it was obvious that the young man was in quite a hurry (he was at that time carrying with him the belongings of someone else, who I assumed was a friend or family member probably admitted in one of the wards).
But was it really necessary for him to be inconsiderate to other people by deliberately creating a scene and the 'painful' waiting time that ensued.
All he could have done was park his car at the privatised car park underground. The guy should have thought about the consequences he inflicted on others while he conveniently blocked the entrance causing a delay in an already small one-way lane.
This act took me for a trip down memory lane when I was back in Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) during my undergraduate years; when life was far less complicated than it is now.
I remember my buddies and I used to 'challenge' our lecturers by conquering their parking spaces, as theirs were nearer to the object building, compared to parking spaces designated for undergrad students.
During my four beautiful and memorable years in UBD, I was almost certain that I never went to the library or cafeteria by foot, except on a few occasions when I pushed myself to do it as my consciousness was nagging at me regarding my weight and health.
During these times, I could be seen parking my wheels at the furthest end of the campus and walking my way to my faculty with pride and spirit, while getting trim, which unfortunately rarely lasted more than a week.
Perhaps, it's not too much to say that most of us only park our cars right at the entrance because we simply can't fold our cars and put them into our pockets or our trendy handbags.
Over the years, I've gone through many changes and try as much as I could to join those civilised people who respect designated parking spaces.
So far, (and believe me I'm telling the truth) I was never caught parking my wheels in other people's parking spaces but I still park my wheels as near as I can to the building (a leopard never changes its spots).
Moreover, I also now think about the safety and the convenience of other road users as well as my wheels.
I also try as much as I can to give myself ample time to reach a busy destination, to avoid that need and adrenaline rush to look for a closer parking space while at the same trying to be on time for the appointment.
I have since restarted a fitness regime for a healthier lifestyle, while at the same time trying to achieve that 'model' (forget Super Model) figure by braving the challenge of a 'Power Walk' with colleagues and friends at numerous recreational spots daily.
* The writer is a mother of two and is happily married for over a decade now. Although Zora secretly wishes she's an heiress who could just kick back and relax, she enjoys her day job as a civil servant. Due to her work commitment, she currently makes up her time writing and becoming one of the invited panels on Women's Talk Show @ RTB's 95.9 Pilihan FM. She is joined by the graceful Salwa and bubbly Ivanka on the insightful and highly recommended programme at 2.15pm on every third Friday of the month produced by DJ Enny.
--Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin