Driving Song Sung Blue

Whenever I've come back to the States, one of the questions I'm inevitably asked is, "How's driving? Did you miss it?" The answers, respectively, are, "I don't like driving," and "No." Then I get a funny look from my American questioner who thinks I'm weird.

A lot of people like having control of the vehicle in which they're riding; I prefer to give up that control and be able to look around at the scenery (not just the scenery immediately surrounding the road), space out, nap, or do whatever else. I'm not sure when I became such a rider. I think it has something to do with never having to drive in China, and never being able to even if I wanted. I had to learn the joy of giving up control.

And now I have to learn the joy of taking back control. For better or for worse, America is set up for drivers. Volkswagen tells me that drivers are wanted. Just about everyone over the age of 18 and living outside of New York City, Portland, or Washington D.C. has a vehicle of some sort. The entire infrastructure of the United States is set up so you have to drive--particularly in the Midwest. My nearest grocery store is at least a mile and a half away, if not two or more, and there's not really a good walking or bike path to get there. Not to mention that American style grocery buying means getting all your food for at least a week, thus making it impractical to carry on foot or bike. There are also few restaurants within reasonable walking distance, not that I'd have money to spend in them anyway.

And this doesn't even cover more "long distance" trips. America is big, and my family and friends are spread throughout its vast area. From Omaha to South Sioux City, where mom teachers and mostly lives, is almost 2 hours. To dad in Minnesota? About 6 hours. Ugh.

But there is one thing that may turn the tide of my opinion about driving: Neil Diamond. Such passion, such depth of emotion! What can I say? Cracklin' Rosie does make me smile. And my song sung blue? About driving? Well, I've taken that blues, made a song, and sung it out again! My good times with Sweet Caroline? They've never been better! After a few hours in the car with Neil, I'm smilin', I'm singing, I'm thinking that this may be best day of my life. I don't care how far away it is, I'll drive to "Brother Love's Travelin' Salvation Show." Hallelujah, brothers! "The Grass Won't Pay No Mind" if I drive by it instead of sitting on it, soaking up the sunshine. And the only thing I'm sad about at the end of the drive is for its "bein' done too soon, for bein' done..."