car friend / 車友

我很早就知道自己不是開車的料，再加上我惜命如金的個性，即使去年我很努力地嘗試上路，最後的領悟是：人生苦短，為甚麼要和自己過不去呢？

I knew at an early age that I am not cut out to be a driver. Besides, I cherish my life more than anything else in the world. Despite the fact that I DID take a second attempt to hit the road last year, I eventually ended with the realization: Since life is so fleeting, why bother to cause myself so much worry and fear?

在沒有車的日子裡，我學到，交車友是很重要的ㄧ件事，獨自一人開車是很寂寞的，而車子有四個乘車座不是白設計的，共乘不僅為了減少車流量，在車上可以嘻嘻哈哈，可以確保駕駛不會得自閉症。

On my carless days, I learned that making car friends is something very important. Isn't it lonely to drive all by oneself? I believe that the existence of four passenger seats is there for very good reasons. Carpooling can not only smooth the traffic but also create a pleasant atmosphere for those who ride together. It's especially significant in ensuring the mental safety of the driver.

最近剛上路的薛吉，邀請我ㄧ同出遊，我花一點點勇氣就答應了，因為有薛媽在前座負責叮嚀的工作，我坐在後頭很自在，還有時間素描。我很羨慕薛吉的勇往直前，並且一再想著，每個人都有自己適合的事情，我天生就是富貴命，換個角度想，沒辦法開車也挺好的。

Shaggy got her driver's license this spring. When she invited me for a ride, it took me only a little bit courage to say yes. Shaggy's mom is a fantastic coach, who doesn't drive though. She did her job of reminding Shaggy to watch out perfectly. I sat in the back, with my sketchbook and pen. From the angle of a passenger, I envy Shaggy's guts a lot. It kept occurring to me that everyone is born for a reason. I was born to enjoy the ride as a passenger. It's equally lovely not to drive.

沿途的路上ㄧ片翠綠，初夏的烏來山間風景甚好，人潮應該被熱空氣逼退了，真是悠閒愜意的出遊啊！

We meandered in the green mountains. The scenery in early summer in Wulai is lush. Heat drove away big crowds of tourists, so we didn't have to fight for our way. We certainly had a very agreeable outing.

謝謝薛吉和薛媽。如果你還缺一名乘客，這裡有隨時可以報名的成熟女性喔！

Special thanks to Shaggy and her mom. If you need one more passenger, well, don't forget that here is a very mature lady waiting:-)