Commuter Travelog - A Day in the City

The word 'travel'conjures up the idea of planes and exotic locations, sipping cocktails and sun, but for the daily traveller, it's a monotonous routine of trains and cars and boredom. This blog post started as a photographic image in my head. The experience of commuting becomes ingrained in your being, a cycle of repetitive journeys where you participate as an automaton, not observing or feeling, just going through the motions again and again.
It made me think of journeys, journeys to work in particular, and how the frenetic pace of our lives is all geared towards that goal of getting to work, performing our tasks, and then getting home again.

And in that process, we use so much energy. Literal energy - we are burning climate-destroying fumes in our cars, in our haste to get where we need to be. Bodily energy - the caffeine induced adrenaline of trying to overcome early starts and force our bodies to keep going. Psychological energy - we are absent, yet not relaxed, hanging on by a thread till the day is over. Tired parents missing their kids, lonely people surrounded by the swell of other bodies. All humans, together yet not connected. This was my day of trying to be present in that experience and looking at how people travel.

The Day Begins
It's always Nine O'Clock
The Walk
Motor or not?

Bicycle Meets Art

Obey the Sign
I can Park though
Or I could scoot...

Walking, walking
First on the Platform
Rinse, Repeat

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11 Comments
  • Moanaghan Man
    Moanaghan Man 4 September 2017 at 17:18

    Great atmospheric photos, Cliona.

    • Cliona Kelliher
      Cliona Kelliher 10 September 2017 at 21:09

      Thanks John!

  • Jill Holtz
    Jill Holtz 8 September 2017 at 17:50

    Loved this Cliona the pictures are great

    • Cliona Kelliher
      Cliona Kelliher 10 September 2017 at 21:09

      Thanks Jill :)

  • Treasure_E_M
    Treasure_E_M 11 September 2017 at 11:05

    Absolutely beautiful photos - so nice to stop and take in the moment :)

  • Lucy
    Lucy 11 September 2017 at 13:06

    Lovely photos - I used to hate my commute but sometimes it's good to actually look up and appreciate the views!

  • Michelle
    Michelle 11 September 2017 at 13:56

    I like how you point out that daily travel gets boring and we sometimes forget to "stop and smell the roses". That's what your post reminds me of. I will have to try to do that today when I travel. Every now and then we need to check in with the natural world around us, even if its just a train station:)

  • jennifuchs
    jennifuchs 11 September 2017 at 21:35

    What a lovely idea. Great photos!

  • Ana De-Jesus
    Ana De-Jesus 12 September 2017 at 01:48

    I like the idea of taking notice of what is around you on your commute. Sometimes it's hard to remember.

  • Anosa
    Anosa 12 September 2017 at 18:27

    Loving this commuter experience depiction, the pictures remind me of my pre-driving commuter days

  • London Mumma
    London Mumma 14 September 2017 at 17:31

    I love how you kept the photos black and white, it brings it to life.

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