Freedom: thy name is Mabel
I did it! I finally did it! I bought a right-hand drive car for the left side of the road. Let’s put aside the minor mental gymnastics that we Americans have to perform to remember to stick to the left side of the highway, and instead let’s focus on the fact that I bought a car. In New Zealand.
A couple of things come to mind when I think about it. First, I realize that I must be staying here for a while if I bought a car. Sure, I could have purchased a beater or something older than me to drive around, something to get me from point A to point B and to social events in between. But – for those of you who know me – you knew that wasn’t going to happen. I don’t need fancy, but I scoured the listings for reliable, high-quality cars that I can hang onto for a while. Why be forced into multiple investments if I can buy just once and be happy? Exactly.
The second thing that comes to mind is SHEER HAPPINESS. It rivals how I felt on the day that I first got my driver’s license, at the ripe old age of 17. Suddenly I had freedom! I could take myself places and explore and visit friends … My joy knew no bounds then, and I feel pretty similarly now. We live close enough to town right now that I can walk most places, but it’s not a very big town – I need to explore further afield and find those locals-only spots. Now I can! It feels like independence. It feels like FREEDOM. And, man, it feels good.
The last thing that comes to mind is her name. I’ve nicknamed just about every car I’ve owned, and this one should be no different despite the obvious differences. (Ha!) I’ve named her Flash, for the obvious reasons. But I also want to call her Mabel. So this sleek, sporty, beauty is getting two names, since she’s so special: she’s officially called Flash Mabel. Or Mabel Flash. I don’t know – either way, she’s pretty sweet.
Watch me go!
Congrats on the new wheels! FWIW, I like Flash Mabel as a name.
I assume that your FL license is not transferable. Did you have to take written and/or road tests?
Does “right on red” become “left on red”?
My US driver’s license is good for now, but I need to get a NZ license in my first 12 months. I believe that I only need to take a written (theory) test. My insurance is a little higher with a US license, too, so I’ll be sure to get that kiwi license soon.
There’s no turning on red around here anyway, so that’s easy. 🙂 But the right-turn-used-to-be-left-turn thing sometimes catches me off guard, especially on one-way roads.