Rentalcar boy: It’s automatic. Have you ever driven an automatic car? 

Me: Of course! (my sister let me drive her car once before the trip)

Rentalcar boy: Well, here are the keys.

Me: And that’s it? Wouldn’t you explain anything else about the car to me? Which type of petrol does it use? Where are all the little buttons…?

Rentalcar boy: There is only one type of petrol on the island, so you will not have any problem.

Me: Well, everything clear. What about the speed limit?

Rentalcar boy: Maximum speed here is 70 km/h and in some places is 80 km/h. When you pass through school areas It’s 30 km/h and in the city at 40 km/h

Me: In a nutshell… So I can’t go beyond 80 km/h, right?

(…)

My inner voice: Driving is easy, driving is easy, driv… It started to rain! Oh, my god! Where is the windshield wipers button? Oh! It’s here, It’s where all cars have it. You’re worrying about nothing! Easy peasy!

(…)

 My inner voice: Let’s see… Where is my traffic light? Really? Do I have to look to the other side of the road? Is that my traffic light?!?!?

So… pay attention, be aware!!!!

(…)

Me: What the hell is that car doing?!?! He ran a red light!!!! Is anyone going to say anything to him? In China, you can turn right on red. Is it the same here? 

(…)

Me: Now I have a Police car behind me. Pay attention! Anna, respect the signs. Put on the right signal. Just stop when the traffic light is red and that’s it. 

Police: (speaking in Korean through the speaker, I guess he means something like… Move, you stupid foreigner!)

Me: Please don’t give me a fine, don’t give me a fine!!! Is it true that I can turn right on red?   

(…)

GPS: In 300 mt turn on the right.

Me: 300, 200, 150, 50… Ops! I passed my turn! Nooooo!!!!

GPS: Do a turnabout

Me: Really?!?! Is a turnabout permitted?!?!?! Should I do it, shouldn’t do it?

GPS: Do a turnabout, NOW!

Me: Aaaahhhhh! Let’s go! This is worse than a theme park!!!! Ughhhh!!! Is it true that you can do a turnabout without a roundabout here?

(…)

Speed 40 km/h

My inner voice: So, is it true that you must respect the signals because speeding fines are very high. 

GPS: Speed at 40 km/h. Respect the traffic signs. Speed control nearby.  

My inner voice: Wow! GPS tells you about speed control. This GPS is fabulous.

GPS: Ding-dong

My inner voice: One point for me, buddy! Every time I pass through a speed control sounds like the Super Mario Bros videogame when he collects a coin. Will I get a prize if I pass all the speed controls well?

(…) 

My inner voice: Cruise control… Enjoy the view. 50 km/h on the road, It’s said that is because if you crash with another vehicle the impact would be lighter. 

The rest of cars are driving in the same speed range. I can’t believe it! In Barcelona, a car would have overtaken me for sure.

Oops, a truck passed me by! Really? So I drive slower than a truck?

I noticed that the ones who respect the speed limits are the ones who drive rental cars. Just like me. Locals know the rules and drive over the speed limit (60 km/h).

(…)

GPS: You’ve reached your destination. 

Me: Finally! I can say that it has been such an experience. I recommend it to you but by now I need to have some rest and relax a bit. 

See you next time, Jeju!