Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being a car instructor in Xizhi is like riding a rollercoaster blindfolded. So, I wake up, right? Sun’s shining, birds chirping, and I’m like, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Spoiler alert: it was NOT chill.
First off, I hit the road on Zhongzheng Rd. You know, the one that’s always packed? Yeah, that one. I’m cruisin’, feelin’ good, when BAM! A scooter zooms past me like it’s in a race. Like, dude, chill! This ain’t the Indy 500! I swear, those scooter folks think they own the road.
Anyway, I get to my first student’s place. This kid, let’s call him Timmy, shows up late. Classic. He rolls in, all flustered, and I’m like, “Dude, you ready to drive or what?” He’s like, “I had to find parking!” I’m thinkin’, “Bro, we’re in Xizhi, not Manhattan!”
So we hop in the car, and I’m tryin’ to keep it light. I’m like, “Alright, Timmy, let’s hit the road!” We head down to the Xizhi River, and I’m feelin’ good. The view’s nice, the water’s glistening, and I’m like, “This is it!” But then, Timmy decides to hit the gas like he’s in Fast & Furious. I’m yellin’, “Dude, chill! We’re not racing!”
We get to the roundabout near the Xizhi Sports Park, and he’s all over the place. I’m gripping the seat like it’s a life raft. “Timmy, you gotta focus!” I’m sweating bullets, and he’s just giggling. I’m like, “This ain’t a joke, man!”
Finally, we pull over, and I’m like, “Okay, let’s take a breather.” I’m tryin’ to calm down, but then I see this old lady trying to cross the street on Minquan Rd. She’s moving slower than molasses, and I’m like, “C’mon, lady, you got this!” But she’s just taking her sweet time. I’m losing it.
After that, we hit the road again. I’m thinkin’, “Okay, maybe this’ll get better.” We drive past the Xizhi Night Market, and I’m like, “Dude, we gotta stop for some stinky tofu after this!” Timmy’s like, “What’s that?” I’m like, “You’ve never had stinky tofu? You’re missing out!”
So we keep driving, and I’m trying to teach him about parallel parking. He’s struggling, and I’m like, “C’mon, man! It’s not rocket science!” I’m getting frustrated, but then he finally nails it. I’m like, “YES! You did it!” I’m so pumped, I almost high-five him, but then I remember we’re in a car.
Then, outta nowhere, it starts pouring rain. I’m talkin’ torrential downpour. I’m like, “Great, just what we need!” Timmy’s freaking out, and I’m like, “Dude, just breathe!” But he’s gripping the wheel like it’s a lifeline. I’m trying to keep it together, but inside, I’m like, “Why, Xizhi, why?”
We finally make it back, soaked but alive. I’m like, “Timmy, you survived! You’re a legend!” He’s grinning ear to ear, and I’m like, “Okay, maybe today wasn’t a total disaster.”
As I’m driving home, I can’t help but laugh. Xizhi, man, you keep me on my toes. I’m exhausted, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Just another day in the life of a car instructor, right? Can’t wait for tomorrow!