MB Meets World

I have mad respect for anyone who can drive in India. On the campus where Saskya and Andy live, there are mostly bikes, motorcycles, “autos” (motorized rickshaw-like vehicles, pictured above) and pedestrians. No honking is permitted. It seems pretty easy.

Off-campus, though, is much harder for a driver. There are lots of the above-referenced vehicles, though not as many bikes. The amazing thing is the way all the vehicles weave in and around each other.

Drivers have amazing depth perception, so they get very close to each other. A three lane street might have 4-6 vehicles on it, with no attention paid to the lines/lanes.

The dance of the vehicles could be seen as a live jigsaw puzzle, with the pieces moving and changing the picture constantly.

Horns are used to communicate, but generally not in anger. “I am here.” “I need more room.” “I am passing you.”

It was unnerving to see many people crammed onto motorcycles or in the autos. But, strangely, I got used to it.

Oh, and then there were the occasional cows blocking the traffic…