Midnight drives

I've sold my SUV to my sister and bought another car recently, something a little more suited for my current needs. I love my car. Don't get me wrong, I've loved my previous cars too but none of them have inspired me to go for midnight drives just to be in her. She's awesome.

I've been out late before, usually after a late session of amateur astronomy or returning home after a weekend out of town. I've never been out just for the heck of it - there's usually a destination in mind when I'm out past midnight. So, this time since I'm mostly out for the fun of it, I've a more relaxed mind and can enjoy the ride. It's interesting - the types of cars and the drivers change noticeably that late at night. For one thing, I saw quite few sports cars and custom jobbies, nifty-looking heavily modified cars in bright colours. I don't think that my city has a drag racing problem but one can't tell - those cars look fast.

I've also been driving around with the windows down, feeling the night air stream across my cheeks - it's a very sensual feeling, mixed in with the very distinct smell that seems to only come at night. It brought back memories of returning late in the evening after a trip to a relative's home when I was a little child. I miss the glowing neon signs of my childhood, especially the ones that "moved". I remember looking eagerly to some of my favourite ones whenever we had a late night trip. It added a certain magic to the city that was absent during the hustle and bustle of daytime life.

I don't go very far on my night drives, usually just my normal route that takes me out and back in around half an hour at a very leisurely pace. It does wonders for my stress level. I never thought I'd love driving and now, with my new car, I think I'm starting to understand the special relationship that we North Americans have with our vehicles.