Cockeyed Optimist

No. 3: Parking Tips

First of all, Kafka would like to remind you that you should NOT leave pets (or children) in the car when you park, even for only a few minutes — in many places (including Australia) this is illegal. In hot weather especially, they can become seriously dehydrated and/or overheated very quickly. It is also illegal, as well as a bad idea for the ecology, to leave the motor running when parked, even if you want to keep the air conditioning or heating going.

At the mall or shopping centre, it is tempting to try and find a parking spot close to the entrance of the shops, but the problem is that everyone else is thinking this way, so it can be difficult.

A better approach is to look for a spot close to where the shopping trolleys have to be left (assuming that your mall has a parking bay for them). This way, you can cut down on the time and effort of returning the trolley — after all, on other parts of the trip you are either just strolling along, with nothing but an empty bag, or pushing your purchases happily in the trolley. And it also avoids the temptation to just abandon the trolley in amongst the cars, which will annoy other shoppers.

Another thought: when you park at the health club or fitness centre, do you try to park near the entrance? Why would you want to do that? — Kafka thought that the whole idea of going to a place like that is to get some exercise!

Lastly, if it is raining, park your car in the open, not under trees, even if it means you have to use an umbrella. That way you can get a free car wash and you won’t have to pick leaves and twigs out of the ventilation slots. Of course, if hail is likely, you ought to park under cover, but still not under a tree — in storms trees lose branches and could be hit by lightning.

Best wishes from Kafka,

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