Only someone who has been here would be able to appreciate the sheer manic madness of the roads. The horn is used constantly - but not as a means of showing outrage as in the UK but as a warning that my vehicle is within 1mm of yours on the left-hand side and I am coming through! We have not been hit in our taxis yet but all vehicles in the city have numerous dents, scratches and scours. It's a wonder that there are not more accidents.
A tale from yesterday's visit to the Howrah Bridge project. The traffic going out of the city over the bridge is stationary in all 3 lanes. Our taxi driver hits on a wheeze to 'beat the jam'. He pulls out through the bollards which define the central reservation and heads at speed down the opposite side of the road which is clear at present because the lights are holding traffic back. Suddenly there are 3 lanes of buses coming straight for us when the lights do change. Our driver manages to find a small gap in the traffic on the 'correct' side of the road (relatively of course!) and squeezes in between a lorry and a bus. Anna and I are not sure whether it was all a bad dream - but no, we soon arrive safely at Howrah Station. Anna thanks the driver for the ride - to which he smilingly replies "good driver"!
Another interesting sight - a learner driver - with yellow taxis swarming around it like angry wasps. Rather than showing some tolerance, the horn honking is longer and louder than ever. Given the theory expounded above, it is not because the taxi drivers are more angry just that they fear she - the learner - might be unaware of their presence on both sides and up the rear and cause a collision. Alternatively, they are in a hurry!
Otherwise, we are getting along OK. A few of us not in the best of health but we are supporting each other through it all.
Roger and I are about to have a Transport Afternoon seeing how many different forms we can travel on (or in).
Love and blessings to all at NBC especially those e-mailers who are keeping in touch.
Nick
