Saturday, February 19, 2011

Ultimate Game of Chicken

I used to play chicken as a child but now it has a whole new meaning to it. Any form of transportation in India is going to have some fear inducing side effects. I have had some quite interesting experiences in getting around. Foot of course is the cheapest and sometimes the most convenient way to get around in the city. At the same time, it is a huge game of frogger. You have to navigate and be aggressive to get across the street. I learned that you can't wait for traffic to stop for you or otherwise you'll be there the whole day. I have successfully made it so far without getting killed or injured which I considered to be an accomplishment. In the end, this is the least fear inducing form of transportation. The metro isn't as bad. It can actually be quite fun to people watch. At the same time, you have to safe guard your belongings and look out for the creeps. The creeps is where the fear can come. The ones who eye you up, cat call or sometimes brush against you. It can be quite uncomfortable but not as scary. I feel safest on the metro because of the sheer number of people. As it gets later into the night, the metro becomes unsafe and a woman shouldn't take it after 9:30 by herself. The reason behind this is the trains become infrequent and stop at 11. Autos, tuck-tucks or rickshaws whatever you wish to call are one of the most iconic things from India. There cheap and great for short distances. Be ready to be smashed in with people and have no personal space. Autos break down a lot but the driver does find another auto for you. The scary part is that auto drivers are some of the craziest drivers out on the roads. In addition, sometimes you are only half in the auto and that leads to an adrenaline filled ride because you are holding on for dear life. Being that close to a bus where you feel like you could lose an arm is part of the Indian experience and it is now normal for me. Cars are a common way to go long distances but taxis are convenient for those short term in a hurry trips. Let me start by saying, getting into a taxi and learning your driver doesn't know where he is going is scary. Sometimes they just pretend they don't know. Driving around can be just as frightening as they don't really follow the traffic rules. Cars back up the street or run lights all the time even drive on the wrong side of the road. The video that I have posted is an experience driving back from an excursion and it gives you a taste of the driving style in India.Transportation is quite an experience in India. I have just learned to enjoy the ride.

As long as I don't die and I get to my destanation safely that is all that matters. Each form of trnasportation has its own pros and cons to it but sometimes the funnest part of the trip is getting there.

1 comment:

  1. Whoa!! transportation is one of the realms where we "Kolkattans" feel unsafe!! It was great hearing that u consider metro to be a safe medium of conveyance!! Coz its always down with some problem or the other!!

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