The Time Has Come - New Wheels

After a year of taxis, we decided it was time to have our own set of wheels. We were skittish in the purchasing process - not wanting to buy a new low-spec, off-brand car; but also not wanting to purchase a reliable brand second-hand considering the way cars are driven here. Fortunately, a friend recommended to us an ambassador's wife's compact Mitsubishi. We were excited by the low mileage, five seatbelts, stick-shift, and hatchback with fold-down rear seats - plus its heat-repelling silver color is of real advantage here. It seemed too good to be true - and in a sense was because we got in quite a predicament during the process of becoming owners - but that's not a story for this forum.


However, now that the car is in our possession - I'll just say Hallelujah! I don't think any amount of potted plants or comfort food can equal the way the car has helped us to settle here. Those scorching walks through "sand dunes" out to the main road were enough to deter all but essential trips - we often skimped on food because we didn't want to go shopping. Additionally, we have the comfort of air conditioning, a smoke-free enviornment, seatbelts for all, four doors and windows that ALL function, our own choice of music, and no bickering over prices with taxi drivers. For me the car also spells freedom, albeit in relative doses. I at least have the capability to go buy water or eggs at our local shop (where they know us) if we get in a bind, and I can visit my friends alone.

NB: This is a genertic pic from the web - there's no way that we have paved roads or picket fences like that!