. . . because I’m pretty sure no one on this road has one. Let’s assume that the lane markings on the ground in the left lane say “bus only” in Bahasa Malayu. Please explain, then, the buses to the right of our car. And if we’re driving on the left side of the road over here, and this is a two-directional road, then where does the oncoming traffic go? And why is there no stoplight anywhere?
Our third week here is only raising more questions instead of revealing more answers.
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I’m Ann, a mom / wife / lawyer / certified culinary enthusiast. I share recipes, travel guides and home life tips while living overseas. Currently based in São Paulo, Brazil.
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oh! i can answer this. “bus only” means “no one but buses are allowed in this lane,” but doesn’t mean that buses can’t go wherever the heck they want. i mean, who’s going to f*!# with a bus? look how big it is! you can’t see the oncoming traffic b/c you’re bordered on both sides by huge buses. and finally, stop lights are for wusses. silly american. what do i win? a malaysian driver’s license?
Ah, the no stoplights thing. Just like Cairo. there is seriously a method to the madness though.
I assume there a system to all the honking too? At first it sounds like complete cacaphony — but eventually you realize each honk has a different meaning like “get the f&*^ out of my way!” or “please get out of my way” or “i don’t break for annoying white americans who bring their imperialism to my developing nation — so get out of my way!”
Laura: good theory! We should bring you along whenever we have to drive in the touristy areas, because they’re the worst.
David: The horns aren’t as bad here as other places we’ve been, and, to be quite honest, neither is the driving. It’s more just that we’ve never really HAD to drive anywhere else that we’ve lived, so now we’re like, why are people so crazy? But I feel like it’s somewhat the same everywhere (and probably less bad here). Come visit and we’ll show you! 🙂