The Wonder of Driving

Whenever people ask me if I want a car, I would bashfully answer that I don't. Instead, I would tell them immediately that I want a car WITH a driver. Most of the time they, they would laugh at the silly idea, saying that it's too ambitious, that having a driver limits the whole idea, or that what I really want is a boyfriend with a car. I quite agree with everything that they say but I still wouldn't want to drive my own car.

I just find this act too much of a hassle and too much of a challenge. Driving one's own car, one would have to face the challenge of manoeuvring it through the streets of Manila, along with immoral jeepneys and over-confident buses, instead of just relaxing at the passenger (or back seat), and waiting arrival at the desired destination. And after successfully conquering Manila traffic, one still has to worry about and look for a safe and available parking space instead of just hopping out of the car and straight to wherever. See? Isn't it just more convenient to have a car with a driver instead of having just a car?

This idea was reinforced when driveanywherebuddy agreed to teach me how to drive one night. It wasn't actually the best time for me to have driving lessons but it was definitely the best time to talk someone into letting a non-driver drive his car. And so, we exchanged seats. I never really had driving lessons before nor have I ever stepped on a gas pedal. I was always the passenger and I didn't mind that.

Anyway, the driving lessons were quite successful. I drove around in a village for 30minutes without bumping into anything or having the engine die (it was an automatic car), and even though it was really difficult to see the perimeter. I was so keen and focused on driving that I was seating on the edge of the driver's seat, with my head almost at the driving wheel. More so, it was so intense that I found a big deep bruise on my right thumb the morning after (have you ever heard of such?)

This might be the point I got my bruise

Anyway, from that short, untimely driving lesson, I learned that it was very easy to hit objects and to not notice it at all, that it was very easy to get your car scratched, that it was very difficult to look at the side mirrors (and basically anywhere else except the front road), that it requires tremendous skill to be able to brake smoothly, that driving isn't at all comfortable, and that people who can drive (especially big and long vehicles) safely and still make decent conversation are amazing! I have a new respect for drivers now. I now know not to bother them too much when they're doing their thing, especially when backing up, and to avoid giving last-minute directions.

Maybe these just all came from my newness to driving and that it would change once I do learn how to drive. I'm not saying ‘no’ to learning how to drive (I’m actually getting more inclined to it) but I still want a car-with-driver if given a chance, especially in the Metro.

Cheers to having cars and having someone drive them for you!

:D