Cars, cars, cars

I once came across a blog entry describing the 50 steps required to obtain a Zambian Driver’s License. They weren’t kidding!  When I first read the blog entry, it struck a funny bone because I knew that it was quite possible that such a straightforward, mundane activity could become such a huge ordeal in Africa.  I realize that for a Zambian with all the time in the world, this might not be such an unusual process.  However, for someone who is busy, has a full time job, and is so dependent upon others to get anything accomplished while getting settled in a foreign land, it has turned out to be an incredibly frustrating and bewildering process.  From going to get our health exam, then going to one RTSA (Road Transport and Safety Agency) office, standing in lines, being told to go to another window, then standing in more lines, then going to another office…to being told that we need one form or another document or that we are too late for the practical driving test and that we need to return tomorrow…it has been quite the ordeal.  There are never clear instructions as to what steps need to be done in what order, what offices need what documents, how much to pay when or what the rules of the game are.  We actually had the assistance of a local who guided us through the whole process, but even then it was difficult.  And it wasn’t free.  Imagine if we had attempted to undergo this process alone!  I don’t think we would have survived. 

Nonetheless, we were able to jump the final hurdle this week.  Both Paul and I underwent our practical driving test under the scrutiny of the RTSA examiner.  One tip that was given to me just before we started off was, “Don’t cross your hands on the steering wheel while making a turn.”  It is a strange rule they have here in Zambia, but I succeeded in driving like a granny during those short 7 minutes on the streets of Lusaka.  It’s quite awkward…harder than it seems (you should try it sometime!).  After all was said and done, Paul and I both got a “Pass!”  =)  We even obtained our Temporary License, so in 2 weeks we should have the actual License in our hot little hands. 

Timing has been good, since we were told that our new car had arrived at the dealership this week (we had ordered it 2 months ago, but it had to be built in South Africa).  So just after our driver’s test, we were able to go to the local Toyota dealership and pick up the vehicle.  To tell you the truth, it nearly emptied out our U.S. bank account.  But since our commitment here is for 6 years, we wanted to have a reliable, sturdy vehicle suited for the African terrain which would also have a good resale value.  She is a beauty.  We look forward to many trips and adventures exploring Southern Africa in this strong but sleek 4x4.