"I'll be doing the driving when we are in San Francisco. This is not open for discussion."
Jim and I were flying to San Francisco to meet my German pen pal of 50 years. The term pen pal really isn't that accurate any more. We've been writing for 50 years, met nearly 25 years ago, and have become very close friends in spite of being separated by thousands of miles.
Jim hates driving in an unfamiliar city. I can't read a map. Well, I can read it. The problem comes when I try to translate two dimensional data into three dimensional reality. For example, I can see that we need to turn at 3rd and Main, I just have a problem figuring out if we will need to turn right or left. By the time I do, we may be three blocks beyond where we should have turned. Naturally, this can lead to some unpleasant discussions.
We picked up the rental car at the airport and found our way to the downtown hotel with minimal problems. The first two days were spent walking or using public transportation. On the third day we planned to expand our exploration of the city, and took the car, with me driving, Jim navigating. San Francisco has many hills, as I'm sure you know. At one point I found myself driving up a 180 degree hill. About half-way to the top I suddendly yelled, "HOLY S___!!" Our German friends don't use profanity, and I immediately apologized. After I'd safely made it to the crest of the hill, I began to explain my outburst.
I have an infrequent, but recurring nightmare where I'm driving a car up a hill so steep the car begins to slow and seems about to tip over backwards. It never does, but in the dream I'm always panicked that it will. I hadn't had the dream for some time, and had not given a thought to the steep hills I knew were in San Francisco. Half way up the hill that day I was immediately transferred into the middle of that nightmare.
The four of us had a good laugh about this, and enjoyed the rest of the day without any further panicked outbursts from me. That evening Jim said to me,
"I wanted to remind you today that you didn't need to gun the engine when going up a hill, but I figured it probably wasn't the best time to point that out."
Smart man.
Joyce has been writing for her own enjoyment for many years, and only in the past few years has gained the courage to "go public" with her writing. She has had two books published, and is involved with the Fine Lines magazine as a special editor. Her writing primarily reflects her own experiences, or the life experiences she has observed in others. She has her own blog, Joyce's Ramblings at http//joyce-wwwnewbyblogger.com.blogspot.com Joyce would like to add that she always welcomes constructive criticism comments.
well written and illuminating about cyclical nightmares and 'Frisco (and pen-pals).It's most interesting that your periodic nightmare came to near fruition for you,at least emotionally;keep your 'sea-eye' open for other bad dreams as they indicate spirit activity around you:paul
Hi Joyce and welcome to searchwarp - I enjoyed this article very much. To be honest this is my worst nightmare too, only mine is never in a dream. It has happened to me in the past and every time I get behind the wheel - I pray I don't come to a hill. I remember my first experience. I was driving up a multi storey car park and when I got to the first ramp, I panicked and said to my self now give the car some welly, so I did but when I got to the top I rolled back down. God was with me that day because no one was following behind.
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Your nightmare was very interesting. I have had dreams (not nightmares, though) that eventually came true. Perhaps our dreams are a way of foretelling the future.
Thank you for a well-written article which I truly enjoyed and thank you for sharing. Driving downhill or uphill is one of my greatest fear in driving. I am glad I am not alone. Thanks.
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