I sold my car. I put it up for sale in January and after about 30 phone enquirers and 3 road tests I gave up and finally sold it last week for less than I expected to get. Now suddenly for the first time since I was 17 years of age, I don’t have a car or a motor bike (as along with the fish tank it too was sold to start the Gap Year plan).

Adrian’s car is now sold

It’s a very strange feeling. It’s like l lost my independence. It feels like I am missing a piece of me. My identity as a man is damaged! (The ladies reading this might not be so sympathetic!) But I felt it was better that the car was sold before I left and besides, I was spending too much time answering phone calls and doing test drives.

Adrian with his first car

Now when I want to go somewhere I have to think how am I going to get there?  Can I go on the bus or cycle? If not I have to politely ask either Nuala or Marc (my son) if I can borrow their car. I am going around like a beggar man asking to borrow a set of wheels. – That my life has come to this. The sacrifices I am making for this “Gap Year”!

Marc and his chariot

When Nuala or Marc have kindly agreed to “lend” me their car, the next discussion is how far I am going? If it’s a long way, Nuala with great sympathy will offer to swap cars (Marc’s car is a 19 year old Toyota Starlet.

Then once it has been decided who is taking which car, all the possessions have to be transferred – sun glasses- Nuala’s swipe for work- keys for the boat etc. etc. Then I can finally get on my way.

Oh the hassle! The sooner I get on the water the better…