Driving on the Other Side ...

So, this week I had my first driving experienced. And I also received my new car, at least the car I'll be driving while I'm here. It's quite exhilarating. I have to keep reminding myself to "Stay left." Cause if I don't, I could possibly die. Or at least end up in a really bad accident.

I remember when I was here two years how afraid I was to even ride in a taxi because of how crazy they drive here. But, this city is a little calmer than the last. So, I'm managing pretty well.

If it looks like someone is definitely going to hit me, I just pull over to the side and let them pass. I only have one life to live, and they will not be the one to decide when it ends. Lol!

Oh yes, and this week I saw more foreigners! I'm not sure if there from America or not, they could be from Russia. I hear many Russians come here also. But, it was quite the treat to see someone else like me; someone different from the typical grind of the status quo in Yamaguchi.

At ECM my classes seem to be going pretty well. I have students of all ages. My youngest student is 1 and the eldest, 60; quite a gap, yet exciting. The days aren't the same. And that's good. I love the variety. I think I'm starting to like the little ones and older ones the best though; the ages in between only really complicate things. But don't we all know it. ;-0

Of course the little ones tend to speak more Japanese, but when I tell them, "in English," they either translate or get quiet. Sometimes I have to use my poor Japanese skills to get their attention though. I'm learning though. I've purchased a few items to help me learn how to read and write the language, as well as, speak it of course.

I'm expanding my knowledge of the Japanese culture. Oh what a joy to learn. I've found that with all experiences in life if one takes nothing out of them, you've not grown. You haven't learned. And learning is essential to the successful productivity of the soul.

When life rapidly changes and your mind begins to spin out of control, it's imperative to have the skills to know how to navigate your way back through to the side of comfort and complacency.

These learning experiences help one to learn skills that one may never use, provided on the sequence of events occurring in life, or skills that may have to be used unexpectedly, time and time again.

Such skills can prepare you for driving on the other side of the road. Regardless of the type of "road," taken; often, you just have to know how to drive it.

But, I'm still learning.

Peace.




© Robyn K. Mizelle, September 2007.