Just got back safe and sound from a trip with my girlfriend, and honestly, I’m pretty relieved. Driving a rental car in a foreign country—especially with someone really important to you in the passenger seat—is no joke. I don’t usually drive that particular type of car, and it definitely wasn’t the roads I’m used to, so I was kind of stressed the whole time. I kept thinking, “I cannot mess this up. No way I’m putting her in danger.” So yeah, I was pretty tense behind the wheel most of the time.
That said, she seemed really comfortable thanks to the car, so in the end, I feel like choosing to rent one was the right call. Back home in Japan, we drive on the left side of the road, but here in Canada, it’s all right-side driving. There were definitely a few moments when I almost drifted back to the left out of habit—it’s wild how strong muscle memory can be. I’m hoping I get used to the switch sooner rather than later.
And oh man, the whole turning-right-on-a-red-light thing? Still getting used to that. Apparently it’s allowed here, but my girlfriend wasn’t too keen on the idea—she told me not to go even when it was technically okay. So I’d stop at red lights before turning right like a good little driver, and of course, the cars behind me weren’t too thrilled. Got honked at a bunch, and once or twice someone zoomed past me honking like crazy. It kind of felt like I got my first taste of what road rage or aggressive driving feels like over here.
But you know what? What made me weirdly happy was that my girlfriend actually got mad at those drivers for me. Like, she was legit annoyed at how rude they were being. I know it’s a small thing, but it made me feel a little cared for, you know?