So, after London, I rented a car and drove Lindsey to Bath. I think the experience you get from the smaller towns is more indicative of the cultural differences. Plus, I was really glad we were getting out of London and away from all those tourists!
However, it is definitely a challenge to drive on the opposite side of the road, in the opposite side of the car than you are used to. The motorways (what we refer to as highways) aren't that bad, but as you get into the towns, you have to master the roundabout and seeing oncoming cars on your right instead of your left.
As we entered Bath, I saw the sidewalk on my side of the street (the left) jutted out into the street. I moved to the right a bit to clear it, but I didn't have much room to manuever because of an oncoming vehicle. BUMP! With a jolt, I hit the intruding curb with the front left tire.
We found a car park and wandered into town. We had lovely buns and tea at Sally Lund's, known for their hundred-year-old recipe. After a couple hours, we walked back to the car to drive to Dursley, where my cousin Sonya lives.
Yep, you guessed it: a flat tire.
Fortunately, I know how to change a tire because no one stopped to offer assistance.
We made it to Sonya's after quite a confused drive throughout Bath. The next day, she took us to a tire specialist, who took a look at the dented rim and flattened tire. He estimated we would need to buy a new rim and tire - approximate cost of 600 pounds! Yikes...
Then, Sonya took us to her mechanic, who she has given much business and trusts. He took an anvil and hammer and banged the dent out. He filled the tire and glory be! It held air! Then, he told us it was free of charge. I was so relieved and grateful, I would have hugged him if he wasn't all marked with grease and dirt.
I failed to mention this incident to the rental car, and we were able to turn it in without notice. The rest of my driving was uneventful.
5 comments:
Oh dear. You were lucky to get away with that. When we were in Toronto last October we rented a car to drive to Niagara. We weren't in it for 5 mins when a stone blew up and dinged the windscreen. It was a very small ding but, due to the attitude and resulting argument I had with the rental co in picking up the car I was apprehensive upon returning it. Luckily it was raining a blue streak and the return inspection was cursory.
We got away with it too!
Am very impressed that you got away with it!! I think you are very brave to drive over here.
What a great story!
You failed to mention a couple of details from our adventure in Bath. Particuraly, the fact that the reverse is a little different than we're used to and after trying to turn around in traffic I had to get out and push the car backwards (without any luck) while all the drivers around us were getting upset. Or the fact that the English don't always use street signs and sometimes we had to guess our way around.
All in all you were much braver than me to be driving on the left side of the road. I couldn't do it.
I wrote to Sonya ,Em, but she hasn't replied..it upsets me a little but am glad that you keep in touch..she is a lovely person..glad you and Lindsey had a time with her too...I too think you are brave driving in England nowadays!!! :o) they are all mad!!
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