I encountered this song (At the Beginning) twice: on a post Christmas wedding and sang on an impromptu videoke session with college friends last week. First in the context of a husband and wife relationship (awww) and next in the context of friendship (ang mga biglaang lakad, natutuloy). This song reminded me that despite the fatigue, lack of routine, uncertainty and sacrifices of the uncommon life, it is worth it.

Life is a road
And I want to keep going
Love is a river
I wanna keep flowing
Life is a road
Now and forever
Wonderful journey

On the road, I learned that:

Sleeping en route is nice, but sleeping leaves you vulnerable to getting your bag slashed or missing your stop. That the best sleeping spot is leaning against the window or slumped behind the driver’s seat. Bumps on the head and all.

I learned that music is a necessity in commuting, and a good set of earphones can save your sanity. Praying can be done in public in the middle of the MRT, with your eyes open and your mouth closed. Traveling alone (save for your thoughts) is actually a pleasant experience.

She who asks questions rarely gets lost. She who is nearsighted quickly learns to recognize the colors of the buses home. She who has no sense of direction must learn the value of googlemaps, signposts, and street signs. She who lugs a laptop and 3 cellphones with her must not look like she is carrying something valuable. She who likes traveling alone at night has learned to walk very, very fast with eyes on the back of her head.

One must learn to stand up to taxi drivers who try to ask for additional payment. One must also learn to actually have a friendly conversation with them en route, because they are a very captive audience. Golden opportunities to plant seeds… =)

Learn to treat fellow passengers as human beings and not rivals to be elbowed out of the way. Ignore the pain of a bruised rib or squashed foot in the name of patience. Be more chivalrous than the “gentlemen“ and offer a seat to those who need it more.

Always bring a bottle of water and a packet of crackers for emergencies (the digestive kind). A valid ID and loose change are also important. Be ready to spend the night away from home at the drop of a hat.

Traveling light is necessary. I can live without a lot of the seeming essentials. And often, all I need on the journey is a toothbrush and a friend who listens.

I’ll be there
When the world stops turning
I’ll be there
When the storm is through
In the end I wanna be standing
At the beginning with you