Today was a momentous one! I drove our car for the very first time through the streets of Amsterdam. Funny, I had no problem zipping around NYC in an SUV when we were there, but here I have refused to get behind the wheel. I just figured my odds at killing someone (or myself) were exponential with all of the bicycles, tourists, taxis, buses... and let's not forget the "silent killer" a.k.a. the tram. This morning I took the hint from my husband and hit the streets solo.
In a word... TERRIFYING! We happen to have a rather large car and the streets here are extremely narrow. Plus, navigating is kind of like solving a maze, as there are so many one way streets you end up driving in circles. I had the excitement of having a police car behind me half of my journey - that always gets the blood pumping! I also managed to maintain my composure when faced with an oncoming tram - you share the road with them here - isn't that quaint and charming? NO! It is more like a near death experience. In Amsterdam this is common. Where I come from, it really feels like you are playing chicken with dire odds.
Glad you survived it! I learned to drive stick in Portugal - I feel your pain.
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