The Red Turtle Car – Part III

Last week, I found myself navigating Spanish roundabouts with a mix of frustration and confusion. Just when I thought I had mastered them, a new challenge awaited: a toll booth, a missing credit card, and a slow red turtle car. You may have thought my driving escapades were over, but they were far from it.

When faced with toll roads, drivers quickly learn to navigate the process. You're cruising along at a speed of 30-40 km/h, anticipating your arrival, when suddenly you encounter a toll road. You know you're running late, so you speed up, attempting to overtake the turtle-like car in front of you. Finally, you pass the turtle and watch as it disappears into the distance, allowing you to breathe a sigh of relief. "Finally, I can get there on time," you think to yourself.

But then, reality sets in. The toll booth is where the leisurely drive turns into a frantic race against time. You reach for your credit card, but it's nowhere to be found. You check your pockets and find it there, just in time for the machine to raise an eyebrow, silently judging your impatience as a queue behind you grows. You retrieve the card, insert it, only to drop it. Now, you're contorting yourself to retrieve the tiny piece of plastic without colliding with the barrier.

After successfully recovering your card, you attempt to insert it again. Nothing happens. Panic sets in as you realize you've dropped the card yet again. Sweat beads on your forehead as you consider the consequences of your financial transaction during a gymnastics routine and emotional breakdown. Just as you pull away from the toll booth, there it is – the red turtle car, seemingly unperturbed by your financial transaction and contortionist skills.