I think it’s called driving?

I would like to give you some insight on traffic in ASIA, “speaking as a completely objective third party observer with absolutely no personal interest in the matter…” (She’s The Man reference).

In Asia you may drive into oncoming traffic if, a) it is more convenient for you, b) there is too much traffic in the lanes your “supposed” to be in, or c) if you are in a hurry, and you NEED to get somewhere faster.

You know those white lines on the pavement that we use to divide our lanes in America? Well, they mean absolutely nothing here in Asia. Actually, I’m convinced the Asians can not even see them!

There are many combinations we tend to look for, when it comes to motor-bike transportation. Combo #1 is a single man or woman on a motor-bike. Combo #2 is two people on a motor-bike. Combo #3 can either be three adults on a motor-bike or, more commonly, two adults and one child. Combo #4 is the family style. This is two adults and two children on one motorbike! Combo # 5 is highly uncommon, but has been seen a few times. This may look like three adults with two children, or two adults with three children. This combo takes great skill. Combo #6 is my favorite, because there are a variety of options, all impossible to the normal motorist. This is when there is one adult, maybe two, riding with CARGO OF UNUSUAL SIZE, for example: a keyboard, a huge box, or perhaps a tall mirror!

It is illegal to ride a motorbike without a helmet, BUT it is ok if you don’t wear one. WHAT?!?

There is a caste system when it comes to the streets: Buses are the highest, then cars, then motorbikes, then bicycles and push carts, then the lowly pedestrians.

If you have an accident you just get back up and keep going. No one has time to deal with all the motorbikes that get knocked over while driving.

Sidewalks in Asia are like the HOV lanes in America.

There is no such thing as a speed limit. I don’t think that even translates over here.

When driving a motorbike, you may ride six across in one “lane.”

Honking means: “Hey, I’m passing you. Move!”

THIS ONE IS TERRYFING TO EXPERIENCE! Say you are on the highway and you need to pass the slow car in front of you, then you may pass anytime you want. If there is an oncoming vehicle, then you have the right of way, and they must move to the shoulder to drive. If for some reason traffic is really busy, then you must speed up, before you crash into that oncoming vehicle. That of course is worth the risk, rather than waiting patiently for a break in the oncoming traffic!?!?!

If you need to make a living, then you should: buy a truck, put two benches in the back, cover it with a tarp, and call it a TAXI! It sure fits a lot more people!