I am dedicating this entry to all the wonderful happy travelers we encountered while riding in New Zealand and Australia who just made my day!
Traveling exposed to the elements, at times pushing your limits, can be a very humbling experience. The feelings you absorb from the countryside, or the city vibe, are marvelous moments. The sheer delight of a wave or smile from a stranger can absolutely make your day!
The hand wave is the universal gesture of acknowledgment. Even when a wave is intended for another I feel the need to wave back, accompanied by a smile and immediately after, a thought…."Do I know this person?" Hmmmm….Does it really matter if you know this person or not is my question? There always seems to be a feeling of warmth associated with this action!
So with this being said I wanted to share with you all the variations we encountered as we rode across Australia. The positive effect of this simple gesture is awesome. I can't help but smile, and chuckle, as I type this.
There is the classic index finger lift of acknowledgement or approval while the rest of the hand is still holding onto the steering wheel.
The slightly more dexterous approach of peeling the index and middle finger off the wheel with the rest of the digits still attentively steering.
The right handed full steering wheel lift off "Thumbs up".
The right handed full steering wheel lift off air "High Five".
The right handed cigarette holding full steering wheel lift off smokey acknowledgement.
The right handed thumb and index finger steering wheel lift off…."L", another sign for Looser….ha ha ha
The right handed full steering wheel lift off finger point.
The right handed full steering wheel lift off finger gun.
The full hand wave out of the drivers window.
The full hand wave out of the passenger window.
The lone kid facing backwards in the rear of the vehicle waving furiously.
The full forearm extension from the drivers window with hand waving.
The full forearm extension from the drivers window with waving "peace sign".
A very enthusiastic wave by extending the whole arm and half chest from the passenger side of the vehicle.
A hefty strong right armed fist acknowledgment.
All accompanied with a smile!