Mustang Suzy

We had a lot of fun, but were quite often scared, while driving. Actually, let me clarify, while riding in the car. I have been riding in and driving cars my whole life - I am quite good at it. I've survived 27 years despite the "questionable" driving styles of many: myself, my brothers, friends, taxi drivers and even Romans - upon whom the concept of the "lane" is completely lost.

Driving in Delhi is an entirely different experience. First of all, you have to switch sides of the road. Second, you must practice honking the horn - it's not just a way to avoid an accident, it's a way of life in India. You honk to pass, you honk to warn the pedestrian/bicycle/tuktuk/lesser vehicle to get out of the way before they meet their demise. Someone honks at you to give space? You honk right back and stand your ground. Some cars have advanced horns - just push it once and it beeps five times....all that honking has got to be hard on one's health. But the drivers are as calm as can be - not one word of anger, no lewd hand gestures, no road rage at all - at least none that I have witnessed.


Another shocking aspect is the diversity of traffic. It's not just cars, trucks and SUVs. It's cyclists, rickshaws, tuktuks (an auto-rickshaw) and that's without mentioning the people and animals. There are no sidewalks and many people walk down major streets and seem unphased. Animals are present in many different forms; stray dogs wander the streets and cows (sacred in the Hindu religion) roam freely. Oxen and horses pull carts through traffic, camels are used as well. We even saw a man on an elephant entering a roundabout. Traffic usually seems so dull and frustrating so it was great to experience it in a different way. On our way back from the Taj Mahal we found ourselves in the middle of a small herd of buffalo - apparently we were too slow. They passed us and took a left while failing to use an indicator.