Can we talk about how much slower my commute was back in 2005 before GPS?

I used to print MapQuest directions every morning and still got lost twice a week near downtown. Now I just yell at my phone when it reroutes me, which happens at least 3 times per trip. Anyone else miss the days of just knowing your route by heart?

3 comments

3 Comments

young.kim10d ago

Ha, seriously! I still have flashbacks to that one intersection where MapQuest told me to turn left into a one-way street going the wrong way. GPS is a lifesaver most of the time, but the constant rerouting is like having a backseat driver who just discovered a new shortcut every 30 seconds. I kind of miss just knowing the best route without my phone shouting "recalculating" like I'm a total idiot. It was simpler, even if I did end up in a random parking lot more often than I'd like to admit.

joel_martinez10d ago

And that's exactly why I just gave up and started following buses instead, hoping they knew where they were going. I once followed a city bus for 20 minutes before realizing it was headed to the depot, not downtown. Ended up in a lot full of parked buses feeling like the biggest idiot alive. These days I miss the old paper directions because honestly, getting lost was my own fault. Now when my phone messes up I just blame technology and feel better about myself. Plus watching the little blue dot spin around is way more entertaining than admitting I have no idea where I am.

the_tessa10d ago

The little blue dot spinning around is honestly the best part. If you download your route beforehand on Google Maps it still works even when your signal cuts out. Saves you from having to follow random buses to empty lots.