25 June 2018

Hafiz Adewuyi

One week without a car in Lagos

Is like a year without rain - channelling "A year without rain - Selena Gomez"

---

My car has been at the panel beater's workshop for the past 6 days. It's due to be back with me on Tuesday (two days to go). That said, I thought I'd talk about my experience in the past week where I've been forced to go through life in a state that's comparable to missing a limb.

Uber splurge

As soon as I got home from the panel beater's workshop on Monday evening, I transferred 15000 Naira from my annual car maintenance budget to my current account. Narration: "Uber allowance". Without that, my lean-cut monthly budget could not have survived the blow from me taking an Uber to-and-fro work every day for a week.

Fortunately, Uber has been giving me 50% discount on up to 5-rides per week for the past two months (or longer). And this week was no exception. I had already used one of the 5 discounts on the journey back home from the workshop on Monday. The remain 4-trip discount definitely was not going to get me very far, what with two rides a day for a 5-day week (if you don't know maths like my friend, Ifeanyi, that's 2 *5 = 10). So I decided to address this limitation.

Before midweek, I had gotten my sister and a colleague (Lanre) to apply the same LAG-GOAL 50% discount to their own Uber accounts. It turns out I got to benefit from their each of their discounts only once though. The logistics of synchronizing information when someone else requests an Uber on your behalf can be quite tedious. Yes, I can be quite a pain in the ass but I also have my limits.

On the Uber experience itself, I'd rate it positively. Both my house and workplace areas are Uber hot-zones, so in most cases, my Uber arrived within 5 and 10 short minutes of me requesting the trip, despite my take-off times being really early and late respectively. Also, most of my drivers got a 5-star rating from me. The only annoyance was that for a few rides, the route I was charged for was literally impossible (except cars now swim through water); some bug with the GPS-tracking system on the app I guess. And I think this bug made my fare higher than it would have been otherwise, even though not inordinately so.


Ubering through the five-cowries creek

RIP fitness

For at least four weeks preceding this just past one, I've been going to the gym at least twice a week. Also, I'm trying to improve on my running endurance, so I've upped the frequency of my runs by at least, 100% in the past three weeks. But last week, my streak on all of that good stride was lost as it is simply harder to do all of this stuff without the mobile wardrobe and changing room that a car is.

My car will be back in two days and I trust that I can pick things up from right where I left them two weeks ago without much fuss; so help me God.

Ridesharing idea remembered

And because of the pain of having to spend more on transportation than I usually do, one ridesharing software idea that first popped into my mind in 2016 made its way back. I think I just might make good on it this time; come up with an MVP or something. If I don't end up getting crippled by overthinking, that is.

Subscribe to this Blog via Email :

10 comments

Write comments
Unknown
AUTHOR
19 October 2018 at 18:00 delete

A week without a car in lagos is comparable to missing a limp...lol. true.

Reply
avatar
John
AUTHOR
26 April 2022 at 12:48 delete

Lagos is such a crowded area

Reply
avatar
24 October 2023 at 17:14 delete

Going one week without a car in Lagos can be a unique and eye-opening experience, offering a fresh perspective on urban mobility. Similarly, acommercial Fencing contractor Edmonton provides businesses with the opportunity to enhance security and aesthetics, demonstrating that adaptability and innovation are key to thriving in different environments.

Reply
avatar
10 January 2024 at 12:55 delete

One week without a car in Lagos" unveils the challenges and adventures of navigating the bustling cityscape sans personal transportation. While contemplating a car-free week, ensure your heavy equipment gatherings in Texas are flawlessly catered with professional services. Elevate your events with hearty and satisfying fare, perfectly aligning with the robust nature of Heavy equipment catering services in Texasoperations in the heart of Texas.

Reply
avatar
11 January 2024 at 10:03 delete

Enduring the past week without my car has been akin to navigating life with a missing limb. The anticipation of its return on Tuesday is palpable, and I'm eager to regain the mobility that's often taken for granted. Meanwhile, savoring the comfort of British chocolates, like شوكولاتة بريطانية, has been a sweet solace during this temporary separation.

Reply
avatar
13 January 2024 at 08:35 delete

Being without my car for the past 6 days has been akin to navigating life with a missing limb – a constant feeling of inconvenience. Anticipating its return on Tuesday feels like the countdown to regaining a vital part of my daily routine. On a separate note, Refrigerated Truck Shipping – Texas ensures efficient and temperature-controlled transportation, adding a cool touch to logistics.

Reply
avatar
13 January 2024 at 14:01 delete

Enduring a six-day wait at the panel beater's, patience becomes a virtue. Just as precision and dedication shape our vehicles, our preferred fit-out company in the UAE meticulously crafts spaces, turning every moment of anticipation into an expectation of impeccable transformation.

Reply
avatar
16 January 2024 at 15:30 delete This comment has been removed by the author.
avatar
16 January 2024 at 15:31 delete

Six days at the panel beater's workshop, and the anticipation for your car's transformation is growing. Just as vehicles undergo a revamp, consider the expertise of fit-out companies in the UAE, like Smart Renovation, for a swift and remarkable transformation of your living or working spaces.

Reply
avatar
30 January 2024 at 11:08 delete

كراميل ماكياتو is a delightful coffee indulgence, blending rich espresso with velvety steamed milk and a sweet caramel drizzle. Each sip is a harmonious balance of bold coffee and creamy sweetness.

Reply
avatar