Beep Beeeeeeep
There's only one traffic rule here and that's: Hoot as loudly as possible at all times.
There are hardly any stop signs or robots and even if there are, no one pays any attention. There's a vague thing about driving on the left side of the road, but it's merely a suggestion judging from the reality.
So people hoot every time they near an intersection or turn a corner, this takes the place of stopping or even slowing down and I've never once seen anyone look left or right.
I've decided to support the dying art of cycle-rickshaws. They're beautiful and gentle on the Earth. Auto-rickshaws are noisy, smoggy and the drivers love to rip you off. The cycle-rickshaws are pedalled by old, boney, often boozey men who ask a mere pittance for a very difficult job. I absolutely love them.
Even as I fear for their twiggy legs I rejoice in the slower, quieter way of life.
I met a guy yesterday who said it feels like the auto-ricks are inside his head. And I know just what he means.
I look forward to staying at Auroville, if I can find a bed. It's high season. I enjoyed my trip there yesterday, but outside visitors are very limited in their access. Still, it's calm and green.
Looks like a good place to relax. I've walked myself to a standstill and feel pretty rundown.
I'll be in Pondi for another 2 nights.
It's been good. I am greeted 'Bonjour Madame' wherever I go and on the 2 occassions I've eaten at restaurants I felt like I was in France. Tres bizarre.
And of course there's the Samadhi which is an absolute balm.
There are hardly any stop signs or robots and even if there are, no one pays any attention. There's a vague thing about driving on the left side of the road, but it's merely a suggestion judging from the reality.
So people hoot every time they near an intersection or turn a corner, this takes the place of stopping or even slowing down and I've never once seen anyone look left or right.
I've decided to support the dying art of cycle-rickshaws. They're beautiful and gentle on the Earth. Auto-rickshaws are noisy, smoggy and the drivers love to rip you off. The cycle-rickshaws are pedalled by old, boney, often boozey men who ask a mere pittance for a very difficult job. I absolutely love them.
Even as I fear for their twiggy legs I rejoice in the slower, quieter way of life.
I met a guy yesterday who said it feels like the auto-ricks are inside his head. And I know just what he means.
I look forward to staying at Auroville, if I can find a bed. It's high season. I enjoyed my trip there yesterday, but outside visitors are very limited in their access. Still, it's calm and green.
Looks like a good place to relax. I've walked myself to a standstill and feel pretty rundown.
I'll be in Pondi for another 2 nights.
It's been good. I am greeted 'Bonjour Madame' wherever I go and on the 2 occassions I've eaten at restaurants I felt like I was in France. Tres bizarre.
And of course there's the Samadhi which is an absolute balm.
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