I'm learning that normalcy is much dependent on when and where you live.
I grew up in Arizona, where driving a pick up truck is pretty standard—a white pick up if you do landscaping, dropped to a low-rider if you're a gangster, and lifted if you're a teenager. In Arizona, a BMW or Mercedes is a symbol of success and there weren't too many around. In high school, I drove a truck one year and a Mercedes the next and it/I got way too much attention for it.
The other day, Simon pointed out that in London, the Mercedes becomes the equivalent of the Ford Taurus. We see cars like Aston Martin's, Maserati's, Ferrari's, Bentley's, Rolls Royce's, so often that we don't notice them anymore. The Lamborghini dealership around the corner is filled with a neon selection; I pass it a few times a week. Simon and I used to be shocked by these cars—staring wide eyed as they rolled by. The newness wears off after a year or so of this.
I've never seen a truck or a suburban out here.
But then summer comes and the car show around London escalates. A distinct crowd filters in of wealthy Middle Easterners. Note: This did not happen in Mesa, Arizona. They fly their "cars" here and vacay during their hottest season. I say "cars" because you have never seen cars like these, and the word seems too dirty to describe them. They are completely custom made; the only one like it on earth. They are often found illegally double parked around Harrod's because what do they care if they get a ticket? I'm always telling Simon to drive slower as I imagine trying to make an insurance claim if we crashed into one of them.
Have you ever seen a license plate in squiggly? Simon and I saw this coming home from a walk the other night.
I don't understand the signs new parents put in their windows—Baby on Board. As if you're going to try harder not to crash into that particular car. But in London if you see a Princess on Board sign, it's most likely true.
Since we're on the subject, I should also say that there are also some very small cars here.
The first time I saw a smart car I laughed hysterically and took a picture by one, fulfilling my touristic obligations.
This one put puts around our neighborhood sometimes. It's basically a chair with wheels. He can't possibly feel like a man driving that thing. Sometimes he drives on the sidewalk. I don't understand it.
