I've just been driving around listening to an interview with Peter Robertson of Chevron on the BBC World Service.
There is something about driving around and listening to talk radio that relaxes me. When I was in university.... okay, when I was of the age that is more socially expected to go to university and was distracting my way through an English degree, I would often drive around Edmonton and listen to the CBC and the BBC. I saw a lot of Edmonton this way. I saw a lot of the construction and I liked to check back once and awhile to see the changes. I even remember getting lost in what would be the neighbourhood of my future in-laws - North Edmonton is a maze to me.
My boyfriend at the time wasn't as fond of my late night exursions - not because he thought I might run into danger or that I would get into a accident on icy roads, but that as we had agreed to share my car, and therfore each pay for half of the gas, it meant that he was paying more than he used.
He was extra thoughtful that way.
Ah well, it doesn't matter.
I was stupid enough to date such a "thoughtful" guy.
Nowadays, I feel quite guilty. Gas isn't cheap and radios can be listened to at home. However, there's just something about listening to the radio and wandering through the city.
I realize the irony here. I'm driving around in a car, listening to a guy talk about his responsibility to his shareholders, the remarkable "improvment" Chevron has made to the society and culture with their presence around the world and whether or not his company should have plans that span for generations, not just for the next 60 years. According to Peter, technology will save us.
I'm listening to him justify his lack of research into renewable energy while I drive around listening in order to relax. In essense, I'm showing him that I need his product as much as he's betting I do.
I need to start walking more.
I need headphones.
Andrea, at that time in the morning all the piddlers are tucked in their bed. Perhaps that's why it's relaxing - it's so different from most other times of the day.
Ha! The piddlers, i miss that about victoria. I remember one elderly lady that used to pass our house often and she would go straight through the four way stop (haultain & fernwood) honking. Somehow it was okay to plow through the crosswalks and traffic as long as you plitely honked while doing it.
I'm envious of the late night drives. Sounds wonderful.
Wow, according to Smacky's site you're the second blog to be 'insulted' you lucky olive, you. You're just THAT fabulous.
Funny enough, that insult isn't much of an insult is it? I'd think it's more of a complement, actually.
Anyhoo, regarding your post, I love the late night driving with the radio on, too. When there's little to no traffic, it feels like you have the city to yourself. I also loved riding the bus home from the U late at night when there would be very few other people on and I would blare the Smiths or Ride on my walkman and gaze out the windows. Come to think of it, walking was nice, too, though sometimes a little less safe feeling but someteims a financial necessity.
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I would think that the drivers in Victoria, piddling along and doing unexpected thigs without warning, would make it into more of a frustrating experience than a joyful one. At least the weather's mild.