Beware of Aussie drivers!

Aussies have the reputation of being friendly and easy-going and I must say that it’s true too. Small talk and chit-chat come very easily to them and often the cashiers strike up a conversation with customers. At the bank, in the grocery store, in the department store; I have had very nice conversations with the sales persons, I get friendly smiles from my fellow shoppers and clients. As soon as people find out we are new to Australia, they welcome us and wish us good luck and happiness. But the minute these amicable and outgoing Australians get behind the wheel, something happens. They go from being Dr Jekyll to Mr Hyde in an instant. The chummy Australians show a whole different side of themselves. They drive fast and reckless, they honk the horn at other cars, scream through the windows and do obscene gestures with their hands. Sure, the drivers in Mexico City and Kuwait City were also aggressive, reckless and unfriendly but they were probably not very comradely before getting into their vehicle, not like the Australians anyway. Traffic is where the Australians let out all their frustration and they target other road users like some restrained versions of Michael Douglas in ”Falling Down”. Perhaps it’s better to honk the horn and show the middle finger to complete strangers than picking a fight with your loved ones, just to let some steam off? If you are planning to try this as an alternative outlet for your frustration, I suggest that you have a nice car – preferably a suv. You cannot sit in a small, old or wretched car if you plan on yelling at strangers, people will insult you right back and you’ll get even more upset. The other day a man in an old wreck of a car started shaking his head and rolling his eyes at me who was sitting in my new Volvo XC90. I rolled down my window and asked ”what’s your problem? Never mind. I think I know” and then rolled up my window again and drove away leaving the man in his junkyard-ready car to fight with the driver on the other side of him instead. 

P.S: When I need to let some steam off, I bake cinnamon rolls or something else that needs to be kneaded. That is very soothing, therapeutic and it makes the family happy. Try this instead, much better!