My First Drive – Thiruvannamalai

19-09-2008 / 20-09-2008

Today had antenna and microwave lab . I was just waiting for it to get over soon. Came home by 12 and started getting ready for the much delayed journey to Thiruvannamalai. Dad, mom and me were going by car. I packed all the essential music cds.

Left home by 1pm and reached the Karnataka border after crossing electronics city and Attibele at 2.45 pm. Crossing into Tamil Nadu we took the NH-7 route. It was a 4 - lane road and well maintained. Suddenly dad popped up the question ‘Can you drive here? ‘.I was dumbstruck for a few minutes and accepted the challenge. This was the first time I was going to drive in high speeds. .

And it was an amazing experience. The beautiful view of fields and rolling hillocks. Nice weather with cool breeze. Nice music playing in the music system. Amma peacefully sleeping in the back seat. And dad comfortably guiding me through the protocols and nuances of highway driving. Overtaking cars, tractors and trucks at speeds of 100-120kms was definitely a heady feeling.(it was indica ,so could nt go more faster).

I suddenly realized why people were so crazy about long drives. Now I could truly understand their feeling. A feeling of breaking away from mundane things in life , with an independent choice of speeds, routes, music, people around you etc and going where ever you feel like. Breaking away from strings in life that strains you.

Definitely it was memorable drive. Reached Tiruvannamalai safely. while returning back also I drove. Was happy to know that I had passed in the driving test under dads evaluation.

And yes, I am definitely planning for more long drives.