6
65rosessamurai
Guest
It was raining on my way home from my Iaido class, and it was the first time after class I had actually enjoyed the practice. Perhaps, the main reason was because I was actually complimented from my three master instructors that they had confidence in me doing ok for my fifth dan test (Yes, 5th Dan), and that my knees only started hurting after class, not during.
On the way home, the rain was pouring, and some idea went into my head about a topic, but like all topics I think of to place on this forum, it had vanished.
I could only think of how my ability to drive in Japan would differ from those who drive in the States. First, although I drive a stick-shift (manual transmission), I shift left handed, not right, because I am on the right hand side of the car, and drivng on the left- the opposite for the States.
Also, I realized because the streets are so narrow, that often times I am sharing a lane with another car, because someone in his lane had illegally parked on the side of the road, or there is no extra space for a left (or right) turn, and the cars going through has to merge into the existing lane in order for traffic to continue.
I had come across a point while coming home, when one car had stopped to make a right turn (equal to a left in the States, because they have to wait for oncoming traffic), and ended up stopping me, and the cars in the lane next to me because of the narrow road.
I also started to realize how fast people in the States really drive! When you think going 60, or 80 is fast, try comparing the value to kilometers and miles! 60 miles per hour would equall 100 kilometers, but the maximum speed on the freeway is only 80 kilometers here!! My last visit to the states, I think I noticed the maximum speed was up to 75 m.p.h., but that would be nearly 120 km/h, and I think Japan is too small and too crowded of a country to allow a speed that high!
I often wonder how anyone can really learn to drive in Japan, with the way some of them lack so much courtesy, and common sense. A car would abruptly stop in front of you, just to let someone else in, yet they never consider they are indangering themselves from a rear-end collision! People riding motorcycles in the rain are the worst! One false mistake in breaking, speed, or hitting a puddle, and they are a hazzard to those traveling behind them!
Anyway, I also was feeling nostalgic, while listening to my Pat Benatar music, how pleasant it really was to go back to personal transportation, rather than public transportation. I enjoy driving in the rain, if it's not a deadly heavy poor. When the wife and I went on our trip last weekend, it was a bit rough weather, but that kept me awake all the way.
On the contrary, I was thinking with how hazzardous the driving is in Japan, always watching in front, behind, and even the sides (to avoid losing your side mirrors from a car coming too close), I thought it would turn me into an excellent driver when I return to the states! It already paid off when I went with my wife to San Francisco! We were in a big Buick, and during rush hour, there was a lot of cars, and busses to be aware of. I was able to navigate through that without a scratch, just had to wipe the profuse sweat from my hands off the steering wheel at every stop light!
Added:
Well, as I was vacuuming my car, I finally recalled what the other thought I had. I was too tired to change from my Iaido Uniform into civilian clothes, and wore my sandals, too. I decided to go home as is, and as i slipped my sandals off, I could go back to relaxing as I drive, because I realized after several times of driving barefoot, started to like it. My thought was to ask who else drives barefoot.
I'm even using the "Add Poll" feature to see how convenient this works!
Keep on Truckin'!
On the way home, the rain was pouring, and some idea went into my head about a topic, but like all topics I think of to place on this forum, it had vanished.
I could only think of how my ability to drive in Japan would differ from those who drive in the States. First, although I drive a stick-shift (manual transmission), I shift left handed, not right, because I am on the right hand side of the car, and drivng on the left- the opposite for the States.
Also, I realized because the streets are so narrow, that often times I am sharing a lane with another car, because someone in his lane had illegally parked on the side of the road, or there is no extra space for a left (or right) turn, and the cars going through has to merge into the existing lane in order for traffic to continue.
I had come across a point while coming home, when one car had stopped to make a right turn (equal to a left in the States, because they have to wait for oncoming traffic), and ended up stopping me, and the cars in the lane next to me because of the narrow road.
I also started to realize how fast people in the States really drive! When you think going 60, or 80 is fast, try comparing the value to kilometers and miles! 60 miles per hour would equall 100 kilometers, but the maximum speed on the freeway is only 80 kilometers here!! My last visit to the states, I think I noticed the maximum speed was up to 75 m.p.h., but that would be nearly 120 km/h, and I think Japan is too small and too crowded of a country to allow a speed that high!
I often wonder how anyone can really learn to drive in Japan, with the way some of them lack so much courtesy, and common sense. A car would abruptly stop in front of you, just to let someone else in, yet they never consider they are indangering themselves from a rear-end collision! People riding motorcycles in the rain are the worst! One false mistake in breaking, speed, or hitting a puddle, and they are a hazzard to those traveling behind them!
Anyway, I also was feeling nostalgic, while listening to my Pat Benatar music, how pleasant it really was to go back to personal transportation, rather than public transportation. I enjoy driving in the rain, if it's not a deadly heavy poor. When the wife and I went on our trip last weekend, it was a bit rough weather, but that kept me awake all the way.
On the contrary, I was thinking with how hazzardous the driving is in Japan, always watching in front, behind, and even the sides (to avoid losing your side mirrors from a car coming too close), I thought it would turn me into an excellent driver when I return to the states! It already paid off when I went with my wife to San Francisco! We were in a big Buick, and during rush hour, there was a lot of cars, and busses to be aware of. I was able to navigate through that without a scratch, just had to wipe the profuse sweat from my hands off the steering wheel at every stop light!
Added:
Well, as I was vacuuming my car, I finally recalled what the other thought I had. I was too tired to change from my Iaido Uniform into civilian clothes, and wore my sandals, too. I decided to go home as is, and as i slipped my sandals off, I could go back to relaxing as I drive, because I realized after several times of driving barefoot, started to like it. My thought was to ask who else drives barefoot.
I'm even using the "Add Poll" feature to see how convenient this works!
Keep on Truckin'!