Instead of bemoaning the state of traffic, let me instead count the ways in which we can offer thanks for the blessings in disguise. What most see as a woeful traffic situation is, in reality, an all out effort to make us better and more aware human beings. The point here is not the congestion or the jams but what they teach us.
I for one have learnt to multi-task, planning the day ahead as I wait in gridlocked traffic. Time is of the essence and this delay while commuting allows me to look ahead and plan my day, organise my thoughts and decide the priority of tasks to be accomplished.
The long wait also helps me notice the construction boom. If the road was clear, I wouldn't dream of looking to the left or right to take stock of the burgeoning buildings, the flower-carpeted roundabouts and the date palms swollen with fruit. The opportunity to appreciate our surroundings is a godsend, caught up as we are in the rat race and the hurry to reach the workplace or home.
During my long drive to work I am forced to give Ittihad Road the skip due to the serpentine queues. But then if this route had been clear I would have missed the chance of seeing the blush-pink flamingoes in their full glory.
Being forced to take a diversion means I discover new roads and see places I wouldn't ordinarily think of visiting. Thus, one's spirit of adventure is awakened and, as one makes one's way through curve after curve, one is surprised to see a familiar landmark. Who would have dreamt that one could get to this point via this tortuous route? So, one learns the truth to the saying 'All roads lead to Rome'.
Then there is the learning curve - learning to be grateful for small mercies. If one has the good fortune of actually encountering a small stretch of road with minimal traffic one's joy (and surprise) knows no bounds. Even as scepticism surfaces with the thought that there's bound to be a hold-up somewhere ahead, there is a savouring of the moment and a counting of one's blessings. Unwelcome forebodings of obstacles ahead makes one aware of the importance of the scouts' motto: Be prepared. So, we are mentally ready for what lies ahead. Being in touch with reality is an important attribute in life.
Travails
Never forget that the travails of traffic provide us with endless hours of conversation fodder. While in company, mention of one particularly frustrating experience on the roads is sure to strike a chord of empathy. This subject is a marvellous ice-breaker and makes us aware of the commonality of the human experience.
The traffic situation can be used to excuse one's tardiness. Just mention the 'T' word and all will be forgiven. One needn't put oneself in the debasing position of having to grovel and apologise for not meeting a deadline or appointment. All you have to do is arrive at the destination looking hot and harried.
Reprimand will be stilled on lips as the eyes recognise the telltale signs of a person who has had a harrowing experience. The nervous twitch, the flushed face, the reluctance to engage in any conversation right away are all portents of a day that has gone horribly wrong. To the observer it is like a mirror image of oneself as we have all had similar days.
The undertaking of this hazardous journey helps cultivate a fertile imagination as is evident in the telling of tall tales, with each attempting to top the other's story of how long it took to get somewhere and the sordid details of the reasons for taking so long.
Dear reader, if by now you are wondering if this rant is the product of an unstable mind, do bear in mind that I have just had a 'bad road' day. Yes, I know we talk of 'bad hair' days, but this was a hairy tale of my misadventures while driving to work.
