We have been here for more than a month now. This doesn't really seem possible, it feels like we just moved in. To me, this is a good thing. I can only hope this pace continues for the next 23 months. So it is hard for me to believe that it has been more than a month since I have driven a car. There has never been a need. I can walk or ride my bike to everywhere I need to go. When we go farther from home, Jason always drives. Well today Jason decided it was time for me to get back behind the wheel. We needed to run to the market for more than just a few things. Plus, we were all going and rain was a possibility. I managed to sneak into the passenger seat when we were leaving the house but was not so quick when leaving the market. So I got into our new station wagon, totally foreign to me, and took a look around. This thing should come with instructions. Between the push button start and the gear shift, I felt like I was in drivers education all over again. Even when I began to drive I was nervous and felt like Jason was my driving instructor sitting next to me. Now keep in mind, I usually walk to the market. This should tell you how far I had to drive to get home. On top of that, this place is like a ghost town in the evenings because most things are closed. All of this and I was still driving extremely slow, gripping the wheel.
There are differences when it comes to driving like with everything else here. There are no stop signs, you simply yield all the time. You have to always watch for bikers and people walking, they have the right of way and typically are not looking for cars (unless they are American). You don't see a lot of police on the roads. There are traffic cameras everywhere and you will get a ticket in the mail if you speed or run a red light. Speed limits are much slower and are not always clearly posted. For example, a picture of a car next to a truck means one speed, while a picture of what looks like a bridge represents another speed. Also, there are signs and lights meant for cars and separate ones for bikes. It is a lot to keep straight. This is why I rather not drive. I've already been through the stress of learning to drive once, why put myself through that again?
There are differences when it comes to driving like with everything else here. There are no stop signs, you simply yield all the time. You have to always watch for bikers and people walking, they have the right of way and typically are not looking for cars (unless they are American). You don't see a lot of police on the roads. There are traffic cameras everywhere and you will get a ticket in the mail if you speed or run a red light. Speed limits are much slower and are not always clearly posted. For example, a picture of a car next to a truck means one speed, while a picture of what looks like a bridge represents another speed. Also, there are signs and lights meant for cars and separate ones for bikes. It is a lot to keep straight. This is why I rather not drive. I've already been through the stress of learning to drive once, why put myself through that again?
Wow--I can't get over the fact thats its been a whole month! I miss seeing you guys tons. Lets hope time continues to fly by 'cause I cannot wait to see you in Dec :) Come on Christmas:)
ReplyDeleteHi Amy ~
ReplyDeleteSo good to hear the stories and see the pictures of all of you! Hope the time is buzzing by for you. Are you putting your kindle to good use? Hope to see you in Dec.!
Sharri