Driving 101

Today I was inspired. But I'll get to that.

So a girl that lives in the house and is in the group I live with has the same class as me. And a car. So I got to sleep in a little and she brought the Swiss girls, Vanilla, and I all to school this morning. It was nice. Class was good. A lot like a class I already had. I hope I get credit for it.

On the way back I learned a lot about Australian driving rules. Well I have known a bit for a few days now, but I'm finally smart enough to realize it's an awesome topic to blog about. I don't remember the ages or timespans, but I know they get their "license" later than we do. Like at 19-20 years old. They are required to do 50 hours of driving (like we are, but our system is on the honor system, theirs is strict). They do the same written test thing like us, in order to get a permit-like thing where they can drive with a licensed driver in the passenger to do their hours. After that, they do an incredibly strict road test and get their "red P." It's exactly what it sounds like. A white plastic card attached next to the license plate (which, by the way, are shorter than ours heightwise and yellow or white with black font). That means they are a beginner driver. They can't go the full speed limit with a red P. They don't have as many "points" either. Not sure what that means, but it has to do with getting tickets and losing points. Some other requirements need to be fulfilled before they get their "green P" which is the next level, and I think the highest they can go (besides maybe a trucking license) and they get more points and the right to go as fast as the speed limit.

So Lauren, the driver, has only obtained her red P last week. Scary, I know. But she has the hours and knows how to drive. And anyways, on the way back home after class, I was inspired to attempt driving her car sometime before I come home. Probably in a quiet neighbourhood, maybe at night, maybe not. Selina, a Swiss girl also asked if she could try it sometime. Sounds like it'll happen! This is me taking the mind flop of driving on the other side of the road with the steering wheel on the other side...to a whole new level. I have to do it just to say I did. That's all.

I took a nap back at my room after eating toast on the balcony with some people and talking about aussie slang. I woke up in time to shower and go to dinner. We had a sort of beef stroganof, sorta. And lettuce. We've had spaghetti twice, chili on top of corn chips with lettuce, pizza, cheese fondue, stir fry, and curry. At least that's what I remember. I'm going to try to keep up what I have for dinner in the blog from now on.

I finally saw Cloverfield, after dinner. Not as bad as I thought. I didn't get sick of the shaky cam. And now I am listening to a playlist of aussie music a girl made for me. You wouldn't even tell it's aussie, besides the song that has audio recording of aussie news in it. And I think one rap song has a strong enough accent, but other than that, it would be normal back home.

Tomorrow is my UTS class! Woooooooooooooooo! Cheers!

P.S. Another thing about driving. The other day something crazy happened. The stoplight right by the house where I live...had cars backed up and about 20 people honking all at the same time. It was so annoying! I assumed the person at the front wasn't going on a green light. I heard today that the driver fell asleep at the wheel! Wow. And staying asleep during all the honking? Crazy.