There are many things that we have had to adjust to since
moving overseas. The obvious things are
learning a new culture, learning to try new things and developing a new
language. There are other things you may
not think about that one has to adjust to when living in a new country and
culture. One of these things is driving.
There are many times that I am shocked back into the reality
of where I live. Sometimes it is when I
see my neighbors unloading live chickens from the trunk of a taxi; other times
it is when I order the same thing at the same restaurant and somehow it turns
out different every time; it is also when I have a clear view of the incredible
mountains that surround our city.
However, I think I am most brought back to reality when driving
here. There are many examples of driving
etiquette here that are vastly different than what I have known from my own
culture. Fortunately, my city isn’t as
populated as other cities in the middle east so it could be crazier, but
driving here is a test of trusting God every single time.
The general rule is that you are responsible for what
happens in front of you, therefore those behind you are responsible to take
care of what you do that might affect them.
However, one oversight to this rule is who is watching next to
them? Most commonly the answer is no
one, as evidenced by a man trying to force his way into our lane while knocking
his rear view mirror into the side of the car!
Also, speaking of lanes, there are painted street lines on many streets. These are, however, mere suggestions. This means that when traffic is craziest a
two-lane road can be converted into three or even four lanes. These lanes may even take over oncoming
traffic lanes if one direction seems to dominate the need.
One of the relics of the previous government is the traffic
flow plan. Unless you are on narrow
neighborhood roads you can’t turn left.
While this does keep traffic moving pretty good, you have to drive until
you find a U-turn, then double back and turn right. On our newer roads there is an extra lane
notched into the median, but people
often stay in the main lanes, passing the cars waiting in the U-turn lane, then
cut over to the U-turn itself, turning two or three cars wide in a place that
was meant for one car!
Our city is trying to make crossing these streets easier for
pedestrians by installing foot bridges.
It’s so frustrating to have to stop for people as they cross the street
within a stone’s throw of the new bridges!
The other day we were on a busy road taking the boys to school when we
saw a man standing in the middle of our lane trying to cross! Had he hustled he
would have been able to cross, but he hesitated. We veered left to go around him, but by that
time he had decided to try to cross our lane.
All the while slamming on the brakes, we cut back right, but he had
decided to try to dash back to the sidewalk!
This happened a few times before he actually ended up back on the
sidewalk. He waved his arms at us in
disgust as we finally passed him. My
lingering question was why was he in the middle of the lane when there was a
bridge not 200 feet beyond him?!? You
can’t teach an old dog new tricks.
Suffice it to say that defensive driving takes on a whole
new meaning here. The general attitude
is “me first.” Believe it or not, though,
you do get used to it. When people come
to visit us I always tell them the key to not having a heart attack while riding
with us is simply to trust. In fact,that is sort of the motto of doing life
here! However, easier said than done!
