What's one thing that nearly every Londoner has in their bags, pockets, purses, and wallets?
Why, the Oyster card, of course!
This revolutionary invention was launched in 2003. The card allows you to save a ton of time. No need to queue for paper tickets. No need to struggle with grabbing coins and bills to pay for your train trip. Just tap, and go.
I think that Londoners would be hard pressed to imagine life without the Tube, and without Oyster cards.
My first Oyster card came from my youngest sister, who had been to London before me. This may sound stupid, but, I always found it exciting to track my trips online. Oyster card trip records are fascinating chronicles of one's story in London. Is the owner of the Oyster card in question a student? A Marketing Manager? A mother of 3? A banker? Trip histories may very well be able to provide insights into these sorts of things.
2 years and change after leaving London, I've found myself reviewing my trip histories. It's interesting how I am able to associate specific emotions and agendas and people with every line in my Oyster Card's "life" chronicle. London life is full of stories that are teeming with stories that serve to answers life's many "hows" and "whys".
Funny how I don't even bother riding trains buses and trains in the Philippines, after relying on such so much in the UK. It's too much of a hassle in my homeland. Will that ever change?
I sure hope so.
MC
