We had been planning it for a while. There were a few jobs that we needed to do that required some ‘extra’ support. Mainly a visit to our local DIY shop, for a load of garden stuff (compost etc.), and to take some accumulated things (mainly defunct electrical goods) to the recycling centre.

We’ve done a few vehicle hires/rentals over recent years – mainly in Covid-times when visiting older family as part of trying to protect them from taking any viruses with us. At that time picking up Covid whilst on public transport enroute was a risk that vehicle hire/rental meant we could try to minimise.

I do feel quite compromised when getting motor-powered vehicle support. But it doesn’t mean that we are not car-free anymore, just that we are with the hire/rental company car (or in this case a van), for some days.

Overall, being ‘with van’ was not an enjoyable experience. It is really pretty stressful trying to get a vehicle around a city, maybe a van which is a bit bigger than your average car makes it more challenging with manouvering and parking. Also, the lack of a rear view mirror probably does not help.

My experience is a far cry from the romantic images of driving a van that you get when you search ‘van’ on Unsplash for an image to use above (like I just did). In those images it is all desolate roads and pristine nature, and mostly shots of camper vans.

We did accomplish the missions (including DIY shop and recycling centre) that we sought the van’s help for. However, I felt drained from it – for sure that is partly down to a lack of any recent driving experience – but it really is miserable trying to get around a city in vehicle. Dodging all the other motor vehicles on the roads, and trying not to make a wrong turn.

Sat. nav. might be suggested to make moving around in a motor vehicle all really easy and straight-forward, but I found if far from enjoyable. Certainly a world away from all those ads which suggest using motor vehicles is so liberating and freeing! Returning the van was such a relief. It’s back at the hire/rental company now – phew!