Monday, November 19, 2007
‘Are the goats eating intently?!?’
On our way back from Ekwendeni, Katie decided that it was the perfect opportunity for me to have my first Malawian driving lesson. Before we left, Ryan (being the concerned husband that he is) gave Katie lots of advice about driving. “If you come across a group of goats,” he said, “check and see if they are eating intently. If they are, don’t worry, but if they aren’t, watch out.” Here in Malawi, there are goats everywhere! But, they weren’t the only new thing that I would have to watch out for. There are also people everywhere, walking or riding bikes. Not to mention the potholes, chickens, cows, construction, diversions and mini buses that you encounter on the extremely narrow roads. Plus, they drive on the left side of the road! With all this in mind I apprehensively agreed to try. So, Katie and I switched seats, and I pulled the driver’s seat as close to the steering wheel as it would go, so that my short legs could reach the pedals. Then, I shifted into first gear (it’s a little weird to do that with your left hand), and we started down the road. My biggest problem was that I had absolutely no idea where I was on the road. I kept thinking that I was too far to the right, but really I was about to drive off the side of the road. Also, every time a car came towards me on the other side of the road, I was convinced that I was going to die. Once, while we were going through a busy market place, a big truck came from the other direction. There were people and animals everywhere, and the road was very narrow. I slowed down and got way on the right side of the road, but there was a bicycle taxi right in front of me! The man must not have heard me behind him, because he wasn’t moving out of my way. Katie was shouting “HONK YOUR HORN!!” over and over, and I was panicking. I honked and the man got out of the way, but Katie and I both nearly died from the stress. Thankfully, we both made it home alive, and the little pick-up is still in one piece. If you are ever driving in Malawi, the most important thing to ask yourself is, “Are the goats eating intently?”
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2 comments:
Your story reminds me of what it was like for me driving in Egypt and Nicaragua except there the cars were set up just like they are in the US. I can only imagine learning to do everything in reverse when dodging animals, potholes, other vehicles and people. It was scary to me to envision what might happen if I had an accident and had to deal with local authorities... I am so proud of you dearest. We are thankful that you seem to be doing so well, but we miss you terribly. Happy Thanksgiving and Much Love, DAD, Shannon and Lindsey
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