Cammalu said:
"Did I see you say somewhere that you were going to Mexico soon?"
Hi Camm,
Mexico anytime soon? Not likely. I'm monitoring the situation. It's not good. If you didn't read it, find my post in Safety On the Road: "On the road horror stories!" (pg 5) After that incident, I thought it best to cool my jets for a while south of border.
In above post here, I mentioned surviving unscathed from a potentially deadly assault. It came easily to mind since it happened recently. But I now recall another situation, potentially just as deadly. Happened back in the 70's in Hawaii. Martial arts were popular there at time. I trained with a Japanese master of Tai Kwan Do---a self defense art that involves the art of spin kicking. Better technique for women who, like myself, lack a great deal of upper body strength.
The class met in a location just three miles from my house. When I discovered my bicycle had a flat tire & I might be late, I accepted an offer of a ride from a clean-cut young man in VW bug that I had seen often in the neighborhood. The ocean was to one side of the two lane highway, miles & miles of tall, thick sugar can fields along other side.
Almost at once, this "neighbor" acted very nervous. I knew at that moment I was in danger. He sped along the highway then made a wild abrupt turn onto a dirt road into the cane fields. When we turned, I was thrown against him. He grabbed hold of the back of my jacket & stopped the car. He dragged me out but I managed to shrug out of my jacket. When he came at me I gave him a *swift hard kick* to the you know where.
I took off running, not easy in the soft dirt. And I was wearing flip flops! He chased me all the way to the highway, never more than a few feet behind. I worried what I would do when I reached the highway, for I was by then out of breath. But just like magic---I saw the little green pickup of my best friend, Ruthie, coming along right at me. I stepped out into the road & frantically waved her down.
I immediately reported to the police. But nothing came of it for three months. This same man, who was in the military & had a wife & baby at home, was arrested for having raped & beaten to death a young woman in the area.
So, there you have it. Now, I must get back to my packing. I am still mulling what I want to offer in the way of suggestions/advice/lessons learned. Will return to this topic.
Thanks for offer of a shared cuppa, Camm! One day, perhaps!
Charlotte
