ROAD SIGNS
Roads in this part of the world (Asia) are often rough and long. Some people’s road of life is also rough and long; others have rough, but short, roads. Few of us have entirely smooth, long and straight roads. Some folks just have very tough “rows to hoe”. If that’s your trail, I pray that there will be plenty of roses to compensate for the painful thorns. And, may encouraging folks be available to cheer you on your journey. Some travel hints might also help.
While travelling these winding Mizoram roads, I have often wished I had time to photograph the numerous advice-loaded signs which (at least) entertain weary travellers. I recently made the tiresome (17-hour) summon(jeep)-journey from Guwahati to Aizawl and jotted down the quips along the way.
Blind curve ahead, drive slow … Cats have nine lives, you have only one … Check your nerve on curves … Drink and drive, you won’t survive … Driving faster can cause disaster … Expect the unexpected … Fast drive, last drive … Keep your nerve on curves … Life is precious, don’t waste it … Safe drive, no liquor … Safety first, speed next … Slow and steady wins the race … Slow drive, safe drive … Someone is waiting for you, don’t disappoint them … Speed thrills but kills … Start early, reach safely … This is hiway, not runway … Wish you a happy and safe journey!
Then, I guess this one is intended to be the ultimate maxim—not only for the winding Guwahati-Aizawl trail, but also for the twists and turn and surprise curves of life:
Travel enemies: alcohol and speed.
Speed. A poem from public school often reappears in my memory: “What is life if, full of care, we have no time to stand and stare.” (Davies). Or, the classic lyrics: “You got to stop and smell the roses.” (Davis).
Alcohol. What can we say in its defence? Ruin. Waste. Sickness. Poverty. Dysfunction. Malfunction. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Brokenness. Death. No better source can be found for guidance on life’s journey than that of the biblical Scriptures which allow for drinking of wine to quench thirst but totally condemns drinking to alter ones mood.
The road signs are clear: less speed and less drink and the journey will be less rough and, likely, much longer.
