I AM A-O-KAYE

A Day of Firsts: Ocean Park Manila

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

How to Get Lost and Have Fun

Monday, February 28, 2011

Whenever you are going to an unknown place, do you prepare yourself with the directions on how to get there OR do you just travel and say, "Come what may!" Today, I have been in the middle of these two. I didn't really want to be so lost and I also wanted to be searching for an adventure. So I just asked some people, and yes, I did use the Google Map. Based on my experience, here some tips for you to find your unknown place in the most exciting and still the safest way possible:

1. Search the Google Map

Google Map to my destination

Even though it sounds really planned, the truth is, it's not. As much as you expect Google Maps to be as exact as possible, I have to tell you that there are variations. Street names and the road shapes in Google Maps can still be different from the ones in the actual setting. Believe me, there is no Christian Route sign in my unknown place.

Despite its lack of 100% accurateness, it's still the closest view of the unknown place that you can get without being there. It also helps if you take a picture of the map and put it in your tech device like a phone, an Ipod Touch, or whatever. If you want it the traditional way, you can print it yourself though it might be a waste of printer ink. Doing this can really help you a lot when you are already around the area of your destination because you can look at it in map and compare it in 3D.

2. Get rid of the "lost face" and never say "Oh my gosh!"

This is really silly because people who are lost have the "lost face" and they are always muttering to themselves, "Where am I?" or "Oh my gosh! I'm lost!" The only thing that's missing in the picture is that people will tell you, "Yeah, you're lost dear. We know that." The truth is, you will attract more people to look at you or even pity you if you do these. So it's better if you quit it. Besides, the unwanted people who might be waiting for a victim can eye you and you might just regret it.

Stay calm. Smile. Enjoy the trip. Relax. You'll find your way.

3. Wear comfy shoes.

If you are commuting and you do not know where you are going (at least not yet), stick to comfortable shoes. You might never know if there are uphills or downhills or even slippery and bumpy roads so it is better to be safe. For girls who are in a great need to wear heels, you can pack your heels in your bag and wear slippers or flats first. Then when you have arrived in your destination, you can put them on. It's always best to be ready all the time.

Naaaaaat.

4. Get the approximate transportation fees.

Going to an unknown place usually means that unfamiliarity with the transportation fees that you are going to pay for. It may be best that you get an estimate total of the trip beforehand in order to avoid being cheated by selfish drivers. Because it's your first time, you can just travel and learn. While you are having your trip, you can note down and ask the drivers for more details. If there is another chance of going back to the place, this will really help you a lot because you are already familiar with it. You can even make your own route next time or even advise your friends who are also taking the same route.

5. Ask away!

This is the most difficult to do especially if you do not have a background of the people that you are going to see. But it is also the bravest thing you can do. Because of it, you might be led to your destination easier and some people are even fun to talk to so you will be surprised. The only thing that you have to remember is to choose the people you are going to talk to wisely. Security guards and vendors around the place are the usual reliable sources of directions because they are situated around the area and they know the place.

6. Pray.

The last but not the least is to pray. Even though it is already given, praying before you travel is the most important part. People around you might mislead you but God's guidance and protection will never leave you.

I guess that's the basic of travelling to an unknown place without being overly cautious. I hope this helps you the same way it has helped me.

Have fun travelling! Go for an adventure!