We all enjoy a little thrill in our lives. Some people like cliff jumping, others like riding 50 ft waves. Now for the rest of us that are not so daring, driving can have its moments of thrill. In India that thrill is unremitting.
When I flew into Hyderabad, I was picked up by an AVRDC-The World Vegetable Center driver. I thought that was pretty cool, and realized I had only seen offers for taxi pick-ups and not car rentals. This was quite perplexing until I got my first taste of the Indian roads. We hit out first major city road in Hyderabad 20 minutes into our drive. We had been on the interstate previously, which was not busy at all. Now what I am about to tell conjures feelings similar to the ones you get when you jump into cold water from being in the warmth of hot air (it takes your breath away). Now on a city road, I found myself clinching the seat as we speed in and out of traffic. Auto-rickshaws, motor bikes, people, animals, the whole nine yards, were competing to get where they needed to go on the road. There was no organization to the madness. One second you were driving on the left side of the road (the side you are supposed to drive on in India) and the next you were swerving into oncoming traffic and people (horn blaring) to get ahead of a bike or something else that was not moving fast enough. In India, whatever road rules they have (if they exist) are more like polite recommendations. Mean while, my sleep deprived body is wishing I had packed a helmet and a mouth guard instead of some extra shampoo. In the end, by some inexplicable miracle, we made it unharmed to the ICRISAT campus. At that, I had enough excitement for the last 32 hours and proceeded quickly to my quarters where I slept for the next 12 hours. I also now know why they aren't to big on car rentals here. Hyderabad would be an inexperienced drivers worst nightmare (or funeral).
Tomorrow:
Tomorrow, I will once again risk my limb.....and possibly my life as I venture out into Hyderabad with some Spanish and African friends I have met. This may be my last post if I don't make it.
I have to say it has been nice. lol
When I flew into Hyderabad, I was picked up by an AVRDC-The World Vegetable Center driver. I thought that was pretty cool, and realized I had only seen offers for taxi pick-ups and not car rentals. This was quite perplexing until I got my first taste of the Indian roads. We hit out first major city road in Hyderabad 20 minutes into our drive. We had been on the interstate previously, which was not busy at all. Now what I am about to tell conjures feelings similar to the ones you get when you jump into cold water from being in the warmth of hot air (it takes your breath away). Now on a city road, I found myself clinching the seat as we speed in and out of traffic. Auto-rickshaws, motor bikes, people, animals, the whole nine yards, were competing to get where they needed to go on the road. There was no organization to the madness. One second you were driving on the left side of the road (the side you are supposed to drive on in India) and the next you were swerving into oncoming traffic and people (horn blaring) to get ahead of a bike or something else that was not moving fast enough. In India, whatever road rules they have (if they exist) are more like polite recommendations. Mean while, my sleep deprived body is wishing I had packed a helmet and a mouth guard instead of some extra shampoo. In the end, by some inexplicable miracle, we made it unharmed to the ICRISAT campus. At that, I had enough excitement for the last 32 hours and proceeded quickly to my quarters where I slept for the next 12 hours. I also now know why they aren't to big on car rentals here. Hyderabad would be an inexperienced drivers worst nightmare (or funeral).
Tomorrow:
Tomorrow, I will once again risk my limb.....and possibly my life as I venture out into Hyderabad with some Spanish and African friends I have met. This may be my last post if I don't make it.
I have to say it has been nice. lol
Cabot,
ReplyDeleteAfter reading some of your posts I have to say you're having quite the experience. I'm on the edge of my seat reading about your crazy driving episode. I hope your venture out to Hyderabad with your Spanish and African friends went well. I will continue praying for you.
Scott and I are headed to see Tod and Lori Pike this Thursday through Monday. Anything you need from Iowa? They thoroughly enjoyed your company. Hope we can all go there together one day.
Well, better run. Heading over to Gordon and Heidi's to babysit Heston. You won't believe how big he is getting.
Take care and BE SAFE. We all miss you and Happy Anniversary!
Pam Jones
I do need something from Iowa. Some good old all american ground beef. Do you think you could do that for me. lol I'm JKing
DeleteEnjoy Iowa and don't have to much fun.
I miss you guys too and thank you. I can't believe it has been 3 years since Kelly and I first started dating. How much do you want to bet she doesn't even know our anniversary. I had to remind her last year and the year before. lol
I heard that car rides are unremitting boredom (stuck in a traffic jam for an hour) or white knuckled events when living another five minutes is not altogether guaranteed....hope you find a traffic jam!
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DeleteHaha thank you Tio. It is so good to hear from you. I bet you have a bunch of stories like this.
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