It's Not New York City

I have never seen anything like the traffic here. It makes New York City look tame.

First, crosswalks mean nothing. Cars always have the right of way. If for some reason they have to stop because you are in the way, they will wait until the last minute to do so. Then, you will hear them beep repeatedly at you. So, you cross wherever and whenever you can. If you can only get half way across the road do it. You may not have another chance. One day, must be that it was during rush hour, John, Gabby and I, were able to make it to the double yellow lines in the middle of the road, but had to wait awhile while tens of cars passed in front of us and behind us until we could get the rest of the way.

Second, if you need a taxi, get what you can. Our guide, Simon, told us to use the blue and yellow taxis if we could because they were new vehicles. That was easier said than done. There are hundreds of taxis here, but most of them are occupied. Leaving from the hotel is easy because they have a steady stream of taxis, but if you are anywhere else, the first one that stops you take. It may not be the nicest one, but it'll get you there. Our second taxi had no air conditioning, no handles on the inside of the doors, and no seat belts. Also, I could see the road through the bottom of the door when it was closed. It reminded me of some of the cars we had when I was growing up.

As far as riding in taxis here, it is best not to look where you are going. Taxi drivers as well as all other drivers, don't stop until the last possible minute no matter what the obstacle. There are other cars, scooters, bicycles, and pedestrians everywhere. We were within inches of other vehicles constantly. There are no manners when driving. You cut in wherever you can. No apologies are necessary. It's the norm here. No one seems to get upset.