Can't Get There From Here

Commuting. What a waste of time. When you think about it that is. Sure, it gives you some personal time. Time alone, to let your mind wander, contemplate the peculiarities of life, the universe and everything. Or do you use it for more important issues? Like trying to get to that nasal hair you clearly missed during your morning grooming routine? Anything really to take you away from the drudgery of negotiating your car along the motorway. Going nowhere fast.

But do you really need that time? It's sheer lunacy if you ask me. And I've done my fair share. Sure, nowhere near as bad as some, but I bet if I where to add it all up I'd be shocked at the lost time. Just think what else I could've done with that time. Read more books? Learnt a new language perhaps? Written a short opera? Who knows. Well me..... I wouldn't have but it's a nice thought.

My commutes have, on the whole, been rather .....well.... dull. A thirty minute three mile drive from Headingley to Leeds city centre (yes I know I should've walked but this was the 90s darling), the 0710 to York or the 20 minute meander through the streets of Darlington. All reasonable. But all boring.

Which brings me to here. Or rather there. You see, I'm blessed with options for my new commute. I could simply walk up the road, take the bus or even cycle. I could jump in the car - an option if it's raining whereby I can go from one garage to another and never even step outside once. But that would be lazy.

Or I could take what is perhaps the most memorable commute I'll ever do. They say a picture tells a thousand words so here goes....

Lunch packed, tunes set up and headphones on. Time to set off to work 

 Heading down the hall - looks like a nice day...

 ....turning onto Parnell high street...

 ...past the old wooden church...

 ....and turning into the steps toward the Domain....

 ....and down a 'few' steps. Well what goes down must go up. At some point....

Under the underpass. Well that's the best thing for them... 

 ...just as the train from Britomart passes over. Ahh them were the days....

...and into the Domain woods...

 .....with palm trees for company.....

 ....before meeting the stairs of death....

....then emerging into the Domain with Auckland Museum to greet the weary traveller.

And more palm trees. Shame the ice cream kiosk is shut this early in the morning. 

 The Skytower pokes out above the tree line looking like an abandoned space rocket

Nearly there. Just got to cross the football field.... 

..before turning left into Carlton Gore Road... 

...and arriving at number 111 Carlton Gore Road and getting the lift to the third floor. Yes the lift! But after the stairs of death I can't face anymore steps. Not even one. 

And after twenty minutes of hiking arriving at my desk. A little sweaty perhaps but happy. Well as happy as one can be arriving into work!