(June 15, 2010)
Today was my first motorbike lesson. L explained the basics and told me to drive in circles around the yard. It was absolutely terrifying; there were two dogs running around and randomly lying down, women holding the baby, the landlady granny moving about slowly with bundles of freshly harvested mega-peapods...and the banana tree. The banana tree sat right at the corner of one of the more difficult sections of my loop where it was gravelly and uphill. I had a few close calls, clipped some of one of the leaves. Then on one loop I didn’t turn early enough and my motorbike headed straight for the banana tree. Panicking, my legs flew up and off the bike (and the brake) and my right hand tightened on the handle, which hit the accelerator. I accelerated into the banana tree. The problem with a motorbike’s mechanics is that I associate foot pedals with acceleration when I’m riding a bicycle-like thing that should brake by hand, and as you can guess, those two things are switched on a motorbike. Shaking and gasping I turned towards L, only to find her and the five other women who had been talking and playing rummy on the porch roaring with laughter. I started laughing too and covering my eyes with dramatic embarrassment. After I wheeled myself out of the banana tree, L said to me “So, you like the banana tree?” I took a break from practicing.
In other news I had a fried egg with soy sauce over rice at dinner and it was mind-blowing. Ah, simple food.
My Everest.
K and L discussing motorbike issues.
Don't worry, I always wear my helmet.
Love,
L
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