The standard of driving here is abysmal. Actually, that's not true. It's not that good. I can't recall a single uneventful journey where I haven't marvelled at some act of stupidity. For example, the standard response to fog and sandstorms, which occur quite frequently at this time of year, seems to be to put on the hazard warning lights and speed up. A Toyota Landcruiser or similarly large 4x4 approaching from behind, lights flashing, at 160 km/h or more is unnerving. Today, on my regular 200 mile trip to Abu Dhabi I saw 3 crashes, a stationary car pointing the wrong way on the edge of the fast lane and someone in a Lexus drove drove through the tiny gap between me and the guy in the next lane at about 200 km/h (I had to swerve into the next lane).
The police behaviour is also strange. I regularly overtake them at 160km/h on the way to Abu Dhabi, as does everyone else, and this seems to be fine. They don't pull you over for anything as far as I can see but just write down your number. I received a 100 Dhs fine on our first day here for 'not staying in lane when compulsory'. I've no idea what this was. You only discover the tickets when you renew the registration or check the website (try it yourself at the Dubai Police website, registration number F 56259).
Anyway, I'm still in one piece and, in a perverse way, actually generally enjoying driving here. Once you get used to it, and accept that you may die at any minute, it can be quite exhilarating.
I spotted an advert yesterday from a university offering various courses in Arabic, Islamic Studies etc., but I was particularly taken with 'Training in English for ill-literates'.
Lucy stood underneath the enormous guitars at the (very average) Hard Rock Cafe
View from the back of our villa. It's not far to the desert!
1 comment:
Perhaps you could be upgraded to manager for a few weeks until you get you licence? Keep on wittering it's very interesting.
Chris
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