Map in my pocket

I wrongfully thought that my business with maps was over on my last day of eighth grade. I thought that I would not have to deal with maps again unless I accidentally agreed to teach geography to a middle school child. Oh well, but what one thinks for the future does not always come true therefore, today I look at the U.S. map every time I decide to find a new restaurant, mall, hotel, clinic, salon, tourist spot, bank, pharmacy, in short, almost any establishment. Now, I often say, "What would I do without Google Maps or a GPS (Global Positioning System) unit?"

The age of technology has made living in a foreign land so much easier - the Google Maps application on my phone almost on a regular basis helps me find myself in downtown Minneapolis, MN. For someone whose sense of direction is rather deplorable, finding her way in a new city is only possible with a map. Street numbers are often just random numbers to me, for I also need pictures of buildings and streets to assure myself that I am on the right track. The satellite images on Google Maps are therefore a blessing.

One of the things that hubby and I thought was one-hundred percent worth buying was a Garmin GPS unit. American roads and highways can leave one in a confused state of mind -- too many roads leading to too many places of this vast country. These days we do not even take the GPS unit off our windshield. The little device has finally found its permanent home in our car after we moved to Minneapolis. A few touches and the screen shows and tells you how you can reach your desired destination -- talk about a talking map!

In Dhaka, people would mention landmarks to give directions. I am so used to that method that when people give me directions using avenue and street numbers, I give them a blank look. They probably wonder if I hail from a country where streets are numberless or whether I am mentally challenged in a way or two. I often end such a conversation by saying, "I will look it up on a map, thank you." It is true that a mobile map describes better than a human being when it comes to locating an address. So yes, life is easier with a map, I admit.

I cannot imagine roaming around by myself in an American city without a virtual map in my pocket.

The Daily Star
Date of publication: May 1, 2012