My second big step towards becoming a fully fledged adult was when I moved out of home and came to Melbourne to live by myself. While I was not financially independent, having to manage and deal with everything by myself was definitely a challenging yet rewarding experience.
The third big step was when I finally graduated from university, and from the education system as a whole, and entered the workforce. I had already been working part time towards the end of my school year, but it wasn't till 3 months after I graduated that I became a full-time sky-blue-collar (what you get when you mix blue with white).
Yesterday, I took my fourth big step in my adult life; I bought my very first car: a 2009 VW Golf. Now this may not seem like a big deal to you, as we all know the cool kids already had their owns cars in high school. But for me, it is monumental. They say 找车跟找老婆一样难. All I can say is at least my wife isn't going to break my bank account (or have I understood marriage completely wrong?).
Buying my first car has so far been a Clockwork-Orange-joy-ride that is as exciting as it is painful, stressful, tyre-ing, and terrifying. The amount of research, searching, looking, and bargaining that is involved is simply exhaust-ing (okay I'll stop with the car puns now). But I guess all this work is justified, because a car is the second most expensive thing you'll ever buy. I spent all of my savings (plus more) on this car, just so that I can drive to work so that I can make more money. Yes, the irony of it all has not escaped me.
On the bright side, getting to places will no longer be such a pain, and I can finally have the chance to explore more of Melbourne, Victoria, and even Australia. In the end, buying a car is the essential next big step in my life. It marks the day I am no longer a slave to the whims, antics and sadism of the public transport system. It marks the day I no longer have to deal creepy old men and cross-dressing cyclists, or even the usual 'friendly' Dandenong locals and commuters. It marks the day I no longer have to eye-joust with the person sitting opposite me on the train, or stare awkwardly out the window upon defeat. It marks the day I no longer have to cycle in the cold, wet, windy Melbournian winter. It marks the day I no longer have to cycle.
We all have our big moments in life. For me, this is one of them. I hope that I will be able to create some cherished memories with this car, and that it may accompany me through meaningful journeys in the years to come. Most of all, I just hope it doesn't break.....
......or get ambushed by trees. TROLOLOLOLOLOLOL. BW out.
Photos below!
