First time driving

Here I go, driving alone in Addis, a city of 4 million people. I climb into the Toyota 4x4 they call 'big white' and start it up, no problem. Thanks mom & dad for teaching me how to drive a stick shift. I say to myself, 'I can do this'. In 1st gear I approach the entrance and the guard smiles and bows as he pushes the gait open. I am outside the compound on a narrow paved road with people walking on both sides very close to my truck. This is ok so far.

There are lots of blue & white public transport vehicles, small cars they call contract taxi's and small van's carrying 15 or more people. They stop anywhere on the road and I am supposed to honk and go around them. Here honking is for letting people know you are coming. This is managable, but I remember I do not have a cell phone, so I guess this is faith driving.

Now I am on a rough dirt road and in addition to people who cross when ever they want, I find myself dodging goats and donkeys. Alright, I am not taking my hand off this horn, but I just might be having fun doing this.

Finally back on pavement but without street signs I have taken a wrong turn, and I cannot speak much Amheric. Well then I just turn around and go back, no big deal, but I do lock my doors. I am in another round-about that they use lots of places instead of traffic signals. There are usually 5 or 6 roads coming in and out of the circle so it is pretty wild- every man for themselves. Hey, that wasn't too bad.

I recognize the 7-11 (not like in the states) and know I am close to my destination. Oh boy, now there are cow's in the road and they have the right of way, more honking. My heart is pounding alittle as I drive up and honk again for someone to open the gate. I made it with a grin and a sigh. I was right 'I can do this'.