Travel around Bangalore has been one of the biggest surprises for us. I can only describe it as a "White knuckle Ballet". The skill of the drivers amazes me every minute. Driving so close to other vehicles on all sides. Here is what I have surmised, as inaccurate as it may be:
1) The most important part of your vehicle that MUST be working is your horn. Taxi's are typically using it every 15 seconds. It may mean, "Move out of my way", "I'm turning now", "I'm cutting you off now", "Pedestrian.. Don't walk in front of me now", Yes, go ahead in front of me", "Move to the left", "Move to the right", "I'm happy", "I'm sad", "It's just been too long since I honked the horn"
2) The lane lines must have been placed there by mistake. It is not uncommon to be driving 4 vehicles across on a two lane road
3) Red light is more like a general guideline, but you don't really have to stop
4) They call "Speed Bumps", "Speed Breaks" here and they are everywhere. On all the streets, city or highway. They also use these yellow barriers on wheels to make traffic merge briefly before opening up again.
5) If my bumper is 3 inches in front of yours, I now have the right to start to merge into your lane and make you slow down and cut you off
6) We are continuously amazed that there are not many more accidents. It really does feel like a coordinated ballet that was rehearsed with a rhythm and unwritten contract of trust and expectations between drivers
7) Do not try to estimate how long it will take you to get anywhere. You will be wrong.
8) Motorcycle helmets are for carrying on your elbow, not wearing on your head.
One day, I will try to post a video of one of our experiences through traffic. It is amazing. I am thoroughly impressed with the skill of the drivers and utterly mortified for those just getting started with driving.
1) The most important part of your vehicle that MUST be working is your horn. Taxi's are typically using it every 15 seconds. It may mean, "Move out of my way", "I'm turning now", "I'm cutting you off now", "Pedestrian.. Don't walk in front of me now", Yes, go ahead in front of me", "Move to the left", "Move to the right", "I'm happy", "I'm sad", "It's just been too long since I honked the horn"
2) The lane lines must have been placed there by mistake. It is not uncommon to be driving 4 vehicles across on a two lane road
3) Red light is more like a general guideline, but you don't really have to stop
4) They call "Speed Bumps", "Speed Breaks" here and they are everywhere. On all the streets, city or highway. They also use these yellow barriers on wheels to make traffic merge briefly before opening up again.
5) If my bumper is 3 inches in front of yours, I now have the right to start to merge into your lane and make you slow down and cut you off
6) We are continuously amazed that there are not many more accidents. It really does feel like a coordinated ballet that was rehearsed with a rhythm and unwritten contract of trust and expectations between drivers
7) Do not try to estimate how long it will take you to get anywhere. You will be wrong.
8) Motorcycle helmets are for carrying on your elbow, not wearing on your head.
One day, I will try to post a video of one of our experiences through traffic. It is amazing. I am thoroughly impressed with the skill of the drivers and utterly mortified for those just getting started with driving.
Who knew you were so funny?? More posts please! :D Love, Anna
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, can't remember the last time I laughed so hard. Hope you and Jason are enjoying yourselves! - Kelly
ReplyDelete:-D
ReplyDelete~Judith