So I realized that I've grouched about the driving rules (or lack thereof) here in Haiti. While in the DR, I noticed some of the same patterns. Now that I've begun to drive here (yes, it's true, I have braved the streets of Port au Prince) I've taken to several things:
1) talking- well, yelling- at other cars
2) laying on my horn
3) driving on the opposite side of the road to avoid potholes
Just to provide some comic relief to your Monday, here's what I believe to be somewhat accurate commentary that passes through the minds of Haitian drivers. I think.
Are you stopped at a light? Lol I'm driving up on the sidewalk to pass you! Look out pedestrians! And vendors! Oh, I ran over your tomatoes? Whatever!
Are you driving on a one way street? Ha rules don't apply to me, I'm just gonna mosey down here going the opposite way just to show you how little I care.
Are you driving behind me? Let me just leave my hazards or my blinker on for twenty minutes to confuse you. Or I could just stop in the middle of the road and abandon my vehicle because that's hilarious.
Are you not going fast enough? Oh it's okay, I'll just drive in the oncoming lane so I can pass you. Honk honk, slowpoke!
Are there only two lanes on this road? LOL let's make it six because this road isn't bad enough and I don't feel like being behind anyone.
Are you stuck in a traffic jam? I'll still try and pass you! If I so happen to scrape your door or knock off your side view mirror, c'est la vie.
To be honest, the "running over tomatoes" thing doesn't happen. In spite of my rather cynical commentary and the fact that there are no rules, I have yet to see a car accident. Even though it's a free for all and yes, people drive in the oncoming lane, mostly people are fairly decent drivers. Still, I shudder to think what it would be like if people in the US drove like this!
Anyway. I've got a cold so my voice sounds a little deeper than normal. I'm flying back for the States tomorrow- yahoo!- and then when I return, I shall begin to work!
Hope I brightened your Monday a little.
S'laters!
PS check out this video that my dad and I made! It's sort of a PSA for the orphanage that we've been going to.
PS check out this video that my dad and I made! It's sort of a PSA for the orphanage that we've been going to.
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