I knew where I wanted to go but I didn’t know how to get there

I currently live in a city I haven’t always lived in. It’s a nice city. It has its quirks, like most things and many of us do. I can’t say I love it here but I definitely love it more than some of the places I've had the opportunity of living in.

Like most visitors or new inhabitants of a city, I rely heavily on the public transport system to get around. There’s an entire assortment of choices when it comes to public transport here, you can opt for those cute little three wheeler autos, cabs and even the bus. The three wheeler autos are my preferred choice because you don’t often have to wait for it (like a bus) and it shields you enough from the harsh sun.

I live in one corner of the city which doesn't offer much socially but which has the basics a normal lifestyle needs. One actually doesn't have much to complain about here if one chooses not to.

I work in the other end of the city and commuting across the city is now a habit for me, its part of my life. Working at thus so far a distance helped me understand the city’s roads better. Not that I know every nook and corner of the city, but I definitely knew how to get by. It’s important to know how to get by, in every phase of your life, if nothing else.

I had to return from work the other day and as always hailed the nearest three wheeler auto I could find. I usually settle back in the backseat with my music in an attempt to enjoy the long ride back. This day, my auto driver decided to keep my mind on its toes because he chose to take a different route.

After having explored 3 different routes to get me from where I stay to where I needed to go every day, I had honed in on one that seemed the shortest, safest and quickest.

The minute my new auto driver of the moment turned right where I thought he should have turned left, my senses peaked. I considered hollering and asking him which route he was taking when something inside me stopped me. That same something told me to watch and observe where exactly this route although new could lead me.

See, the thing is, I’m new to the city. I knew where I had to go but I didn't exactly know how to get there.

I sat upright and totally alert while my auto driver of the moment swerved through the heavy traffic in the sweltering heat. I watched and tried to place where I was by thinking of the map of the city in my head. But I had no idea. 

Although, if directions came into play, I at least knew I was heading toward where I had to be.

Halfway through the journey when I still couldn't identify where I was, I had to fight the urge to ask him which route he was using and whether it was the right one. Again, my inner voice won and I kept quiet.

As I sat there looking out, I suddenly realized that I had entered an area I was familiar with. I finally knew where I was and I could place everything around me. I started relaxing a little and let go of my inhibitions as the roads seemed familiar once again and the surroundings seemed like home. I knew where I wanted to go but I didn't know how to get there. But I eventually found my way. Or the way found me. I think that’s what important too in the end. To know where you have to go. It won’t matter if you don’t know how to get there, as long as you begin the journey.