
I've always been fascinated by the myth of 'the road'. The road as a metaphor for life. Roads get you lost, get you somewhere or get you nowhere, roads take you away, bring you back. Home, to lovers, friends, problems or solutions. Always different, always the same.
Because of Kerouac, Springsteen and company, I couldn't wait to get my driving licence and driving has always been a place (yes, I do believe it's a place as much as an action) where I do my best thinking, where inspiration hits me square, point blank in the eyes.
I love driving at night, alone, with the radio full volume. You know? those nights when life it's what you're doing (for once, not just happening to you) and the radio 'knows' who you are. In fact driving and music go really hand in hand. We all have 'our' personal driving anthems, right?
I love driving holidays too, exploring back roads, residential areas... away from tourists stops. I once spent the morning driving around Key West whilst Mr M was out diving. There was so much more to the place than big hotels and restaurants. In this one tiny street there was obviously a competition going for the wackiest post box... flamingos, whales, dolphins... If I hadn't been driving I wouldn't have discovered that. I can't wait for the boys to be old enough to hire a big RV and show them what it's all about.
On a day like today, when the sun shines after a long period of grey and rain it is nice to be out on the road again. Even if it's only for the school run.
And like the good old Buddha once said (wisely):
"there's no road to happiness, happiness is the road".