I’ve never driven a motorcycle. I rode as a passenger but never actually drove one. Until today that is. And I can finally understand why people really get into it.
Despite thunderstorms all of last night this morning was clear and dry so I decided to go ahead with my plan to rent a scooter and explore the other parts of Koh Phangan. During breakfast at the restaurant of the guest house I noticed a guy with a motorcycle helmet so I asked him if there is anything I need to know before renting and riding a motorcycle for the first time. He was very helpful, offered some tips and even rode along side for a while to a near gas station to see that I can handle myself. The truth is that I was a bit nervous, especially since the roads on the island are sometime narrow and some drivers can be drunk with all the parties that are going on here. Mind you that I was only riding a 100cc Honda automatic scooter. What can I say, I’m a wuss.
After riding VERY slowly for a while I gained more confidence and decided to do a kind of circular route around the island. Leaving the village, the road became empty and I felt like I could go faster. It felt good, real good, and also very liberating! I felt free and happy like I haven’t felt in a long time. I rode all around the island for about 4 hours and had a really good time.
But don’t worry mom, I don’t think I’ll trade my car for a motorcycle just yet. Still, I can finally understand why my brother has been so keen on getting one. I’ll probably continue being a “car person” when I get back, but for this island and for this time of life it is just what the doctor ordered…
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