Joe Louis gets a set of wheels
We were lost. We were squished. And we clearly were out of our element.
Schoolboys kept poking each other then looking at us and laughing. I also couldn’t help chuckling to myself. Thar, the 50ish German man I was traveling with was too tall for the low-ceilinged, yellow schoolbus turned public bus we were riding on and had to hunch over. His wife was reaching over two children to hold onto the bar as the bus lunged and reared down the Yangon streets. Laughing was the only appropriate reaction.
We spent the day walking the city eventually ending our journey at the Shwededon Pagoda. After seeing the sun beautifully set in the distant sky, the three of us agreed that it would be a good experience to take the local bus back, even though a taxi split three ways would cost about as much. Unfortunately we didn’t have a bus map (if such a thing even exists in Yangon).
We took the bus we had heard went towards our hotel, but weren’t sure where it actually dropped us off. Fortunately a group of three schoolgirls were kind and pitying enough to tell us when to get off. Unfortunately, they didn’t actually understand where we trying to get to. In fact, no one on the bus seemed to know the path of the bus beyond her specific stop.
No matter. Each step brought closer. We passed a major landmark on the way not far from our stop and that helped orient us. Ten minutes later we were on another bus heading east, this one a little less crowded. We followed a woman with bette English and a better understanding of bus routes. When we recognized a street a few blocks from our hotel we thanked the lady and hopped off. We were on familiar ground. It was a miniadventure and a good way to see how locals get around: cramped and confused.
Yangon, Myanmar
It’s a map!
Always carry a city map with you. Most decent hostels with have them at reception. It will allow you to orient yourself against landmarks, and to have a reference point if you get lost. If you have a SIM card, Google Maps will give you your real time location. Even if you are offline, apps like CityMaps2Go use the phone’s GPS to track location.
I depend on the kindness of strangers
Don’t hesitate to ask for help. Leave the machismo and pride behind and simply reach out for help. This works best if the person speaks your language (young people often know English), but you can always gesture with your hands and point to your handy map. An extra note – sometimes locals will give you directions even if they don’t know the way. Over time you will develop an instinct for measuring their confidence in their answer. But it can’t hurt to ask someone else for a second opinion.
It’s like I’m speaking chinese or something
Have your destination written in the lical language. This will help if you’re asking someone for directions or simply taking a cab. Even if you know the name of where you want to go, pronunciations may differ. One small piece of writing can save a big hassle.
Stay calm and wander on
Don’t worry if you get lost. You’ll get there eventually. It’s all part I the adventure. And sometimes it can be useful. I’ve found convenient restaurants and useful stores accidentally while looking for evasive sights.
Get carded
If you will be in a city for a few days, get the local transport card. In New York City this is compulsory, but in places like London and Beijing it will save you a bit of cash and let you skip waiting in lines every time you take a subway.
Those who know, know
If you are going to take a cab, ask your hostel for estimated cab fares ahead of time.
Know your limits
Know when a subway line starts and finishes running. This will allow you to avoid drunken surprises after a late night out. In China, times are posted clearly at subway stations.
