This post’s subject is going to be a little odd, but, I feel inspired to talk about some thoughts I have on a rather random topic: driving. These pictures were actually taken just after we’d received our car rental for the summer. We rented from Hertz, and thankfully they upgraded us to a Chevrolet Tahoe. Boy oh boy, what a car!! Rather I should say it was more like a truck. The very new Chevrolet Tahoe was definitely an upgrade from our Chevrolet, 1989 Suburban–granted once we got to the cabin and turned the ol’ engine, she started right up. That truck just keeps on giving, yet for longer commutes, like across the state or even the hour into Spokane, the Tahoe felt much safer.
Safety aside however, I have some thoughts on driving…there’s something to be said about having an old truck that doesn’t work very well. We don’t drive as much. But, when the car works, well, we drove a lot more. And I found all the driving in the States to be very stressful. There could have been other reasons for the feelings of stress, but during that week at the end of the summer when we had left the cabin, I found all the driving drove me insane. I had way more places to be and too many timelines for making all the appointments. It was so hectic and rushed–not at all what I’m used to with my daily life here in Hong Kong, and Hong Kong is known for being an intense city.
The thing is we don’t even own a car here in Hong Kong. We can’t; we don’t have anywhere to park it. This is fine by us because it’s so easy to get anywhere in Hong Kong by either public transport or taxis. It’s actually cheaper to not own a car! Plus, what I’ve come to realize is how much more relaxing it is to get around when someone else is doing the driving. I can listen to podcasts or books, I can scroll through Instagram or research on the Internet, or I can simply daze out the window and admire the beautiful nature of Hong Kong or become fascinated by its hustle and bustle.
I can remember after one very busy day in Spokane after driving all over the place how crazed I felt by the time I reached my sister’s house. It wasn’t until later that I realized that it was all the driving around that had caused it. Then it made me feel so thankful for my nonexistent driving life in Hong Kong. It was such a weird moment especially since I really did like the Chevrolet Tahoe we had rented. I’m so grateful right now that each taxi driver is receiving a little tip for my ride–an action not usually done here in Hong Kong. But I don’t care: they’ve done the hard part while I’ve been able to sit back and relax.
Of course I should attempt to relate this post back to my outfit. This was my road trip ensemble. It was June in the Pacific Northwest. I knew I’d need a sweatshirt but at the same time I wanted to be summery–hence the cut off jean skirt. My checkerboard Vans are actually now gone; I gave them away to my niece. Finally, in route to Spokane we’ve found a new (to us) rest stop: the Thorp Fruit and Antique Mall. All my life we’ve passed this place, but we had never stopped. With our favorite rest stop in Ellensburg gone, it was time to find a new one, and this little (cherry!) pit stop is perfect.
What about you?
Does driving stress you out?
This is indeed a very random topic for me, but it’s been on my mind. I wonder how all the moms (and dads) are doing it…. Is there a driving trick I need to know about or shall I just be grateful that driving isn’t a part of my every day life?
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