People talked about their fears of driving abroad but after being assured by locals, we were brave enough to think our doubters were exaggerating. Well, they were--and they weren't. Driving the M Freeways has been fine - 3 to 4 lanes traveling in the same direction we can do. All you need to worry about is the more than occassional speedy driver. I think I can safely say that I have never been so stressed on the road or in a vehicle before. My arms were literally hurting from gripping the sides of the car as I calmly tried to tell my mom she was too close to the curb, about to sideswipe a pedestrian or car, or had about 2 seconds to take the correct exit--don't even get me started on roundabouts! My stomach was in knots the entire day as we adjusted to the English Road. When even tempted by ice cream later, I couldn't stomach the creamy treat (I have to be honest, it wasn't that good, tasted more like frozen milky yogurt...) In effort to calm myself I tried doing breathing exercises similiar to what pregnant mothers because my heart was beating so fast, but I nearly fainted! hahaha But we can laugh about it now and were during this ordeal! What good what I have been as a navigator had I been slouched over in my seat! I have driven in LA with six lanes, but the difference of merely driving on the other side of the road is something else! Mum's hands almost had to be be pryed from the steering well from clenching the device--it was terrifying! We thank God when we safely parked the car in front of the Slater's home.
Then there's the tomtom--the vehicle's navigation device. The voice is reminescent to the computer nemesis on the movie Eagle Eye. Mum and I felt as if we'd been "activated" as it commanded us to "keep right" or "take the next exit; at the roundabout, take the third exit". Then it would be silent for like 10 minutes or more and then startled us by shouting out in a loud voice "turn left!" Mum wishes it would be more encouraging...how about a "Great Job", "You're doing wonderful!" now and then? Well, I guess I'd be out of a job then since I'm supposed to do that! :)
I always thought London was home to the small european cars, but not anymore. Fords are common and we see lots of sedans, vans, and even saw a forerunner yesterday! And don't get me started on those tour buses...scary (said in my singy voice for Kevin)
Tomorrow we hit the road again--but this time armed with the invaluable advice of our host Keith who drove us around today and showed us the ropes. Mum feels much more confident! I'm only a bit nervous.... :)
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