First gear

First Gear


Clutch, gas, first gear. Clutch, gas second gear… brake. Repeat cycle. This is the system we all call early morning entertainment. That 30 minute drive every single morning as we make our way to the Mecca of our student life, the University of Malta feels like hours.

30 precious minutes trod by in the same routine, seeing the same thing, singing the same tune, cursing the same traffic. How many times have I read that same bumper sticker in front of me? I’ve inspected every inch of my car, and I’m bored. There’s only so much the Focus can offer. I’ve read all the manuals, safety stickers, tooted the horn enough and literally studied the interior design.

Each minute strapped in feels like an hour, each hour a day. The clock receives more attention then my speedometer. I glance at it an average of once a minute, sometimes the minute hand wouldn’t have even budged.

With the first five minutes out of my way, I resort to my entertainment system and slap some lively morning music on my iPOD. People passing by now can enjoy the view of a wide open mouth, as I literally make my speakers redundant. Thankfully my windows are shut and the misery is contained.

Finally I arrive at my destination, and now the real challenge beings: looking for that sacred space, that hole in the floor. Can I squeeze in there, or there? Ah, that’s reserved, as is that one, and that one. Now the panic sets in, which excuse have I not used yet? Will my lecturer be sad enough to believe? Perhaps ill use the puppy eyes this morning, and really go full swing. My sincere apologies go out to my teacher, I’m late… again!