Sunday 11 January 2009

You know what's different about driving here?

They don't hold a grudge.

The thing about the driving here - it's not that bad. Or maybe it is, but I more or less learned to drive in Washington DC, which supposedly had the third worst traffic in the US, so maybe 20 year old experiences are coming to the fore. They even use their indicators (just not in the direction they are intending to go).

So. They like their horns here. If it takes you a split second to move off from a red light, they honk. But you know how when you *know* you've done something stupid (like when I wrong laned myself at two consecutive intersections on the way home the other day), and you get honked at? At home, you get honked at, your adrenalin goes through the roof, the other driver's does too, so when you catch up with them at the next light, they are practically climbing out their window and at the very least gesturing in extremely angry tones.

Here? No matter how many times they have leaned on their horn or for how long, by the time you catch them up, they are just going about their merry way. But I'm not. They have totally forgotten it happened. But I haven't. My blood pressure is still through the roof, and I'm expecting some serious road rage on their part. And it's not there.

It's really rather deflating, if the truth be told.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Hi there, this box was not appearing yesterday so it really was the machine not the operator. Justify, justify. I hear that Thomas had a good day yesterday - hope you're enjoying the castle Tom. Also hear you have a pool leak, which must be frustrating, though once again is difficult to find non-sarcastic sympathy when we're in boring January dampness! We've had proper cold weather for several weeks but now it's just a bit chilly and damp. Also hear that you may be off somewhere for few days so look forward to reports from Chile outback shortly. Speak soon,
Lots of love, Mary x