The first drive

Being in Japan has had its challenges and its blessings. I love it here but some days I despise it. I know those who are reading this are thinking, "Wait! What is she doing? Are we not continuing the story?" The answer yes we will. For a little while I had to take a break when I did not want to because of recent medical events which I will tell soon. The problem with telling this story is that I have to get you up to date but with each week that passes I am getting farther behind. So I need to do what is done in t.v. series and make it spread out a bit. Which is possible because we have hit the week when I start working so now I can tell you the big stand out points and little events that stood out. I don`t need to give a play by play like I first did getting off the plane. As you read my blogs please feel free to comment. I want feedback so I can make my writing stronger. As many know one day I hope to publish a story so this I am hoping will help my creativity flow and "get the juices pumping." Now to continue...

The knock at my door comes again... I recognize it! I get up from my bed out my now empty bowl in the sink and answer the door. " Hey Dan, what`s up?" Dan comes in and takes off his shoes at the door, "Well I think its time you start driving since you start work on your own tomorrow and will need a way to get there." I smile, "Ya that would be a good idea since my first day is Kuze which is up in the mountains. It would be a long walk." We talk about the days events and how much I remember (Not very much just general directions) Dan tells me that I just need to watch the signs and I will be able to get to my first school. However, my brain is more focused on having to drive a car on the opposite side of the road. A road that is super small and sometimes only possible for one car to pass through at a time. Dan and I sit at the table and he tells me he has made a phone call to the insurance man and the Shaakan (registration and licensing) guy. The insurance guy will be there in about 20 minutes. The other will come by tomorrow and trade cars to get my car all set for the road. (Inspections). When the licensing guys arrives we talk about what kind of coverage I want and I sign some papers. Then he gives me his card with his number on it. I place this with the rest of my car paperwork and go out and place all of the paperwork inside the glove box. Then I come back in and say goodbye to him.

Then knowing all things would be taken care of Dan handed me the keys, "Let`s go for a drive." I warily grab the keys. A little excited but scared as well. I take a deep breath as I walk out to my black subaru. I climb in, so far so good. I didn`t get in on the wrong side. It takes me a minute to adjust to where the key goes in, blinkers, wipers, and how to put the car into drive is all opposite from what I am traditionally use to driving. I also have to get use to the cars length and width. I am use to a jeep so this is a little different. ;) We start driving on out to the main road. Route 303 is the big road I will be using. With no cars around me I feel a little more comfortable about getting use tho the car and how it handles. The gas, breaks, blinkers, wipers, lights... I am even driving on the correct side of the road and turning the correct way! Starting to feel confident now I trek out. Dan is also please with how well I am doing. We both were getting too confident too soon. The road starts getting crowded with cars and people. Then all the sudden I gasp, Dan cries, "UH Aimee.." then BAM! Clunk clunk clunk.... I smacked a mirror with my mirror of a parked car. I swear, and ask the question I already know the answer to. "Should I pull over?" Dan looks back, "I don`t think they noticed, but yes pull over and lets make sure all is alright." I stop the car turn on my hazards and slowly take a breath then get out of the car. Shaking in my knees we approach the car I hit. The plastic of the mirror had come clean off but the ladies car was already having problems and was currently being looked at. Dan checked to make sure all was OK. The man fixing her car said that the mirror should be fine and he could put the plastic back on no problem. (Phew close call!) We walk back to the car. I am holding back tears of disappointment and shock. That could have been a lot worse. I HATE THESE SMALL ROADS! I am mad at myself and embarrassed having been driving for 5 minutes and having an accident!

Dan asks if I am OK to drive. I tell him I am and I need to or I won`t want to. This seems to give him confidence in me. I ask for one minute as I gather my thoughts away from what happened and focus back on the road. Then I drive. The roads may be small but the drive is truly beautiful. I begin to fall in love with the area around me all over again. I just wish I could have my family and loved ones here with me to enjoy this! Everywhere I turn I act like a child soaking in as much information as I can. By the time we get home,( I had driven the route of my school for the next day) I am exhausted and ready for sleep. Dan wishes me luck and I close my door turn off the lights and climb into bed. Lights out.