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| Bangalore |
The main highway is just a few "lanes" (if you can call it that) with random shit on the side of the road with dirt parking lots or driveways... everything from folks sitting there with huge piles of fruit, a bunch of guys sitting around what looked like a campfire, to occasionally what looks like a gated community or development, intermingled with 4-5 story office buildings... but mostly its weird little roadside stands, or tiny one room cottages, many looking like just piled up stones, or just a wood or stone frame with tyvek covering it. Also ever so often there is what looks like a small temple... ornately carved and rising above the other little buildings.
the drive here was definitely nervewracking... first off, this driving on the left side of the road is going to take some getting used to. I honestly thought we were about to get into head-on collisions with everyone, and taking a right turn seems so unnatural. I'm sure glad I'm not driving. On the plane I was watching a BBC show where this British commedian was touring India and talking about what it was like. He mentioned that statistically speaking, Indian roads are the most dangerous in the world. and I believe it... lets see, "lanes" are more like a suggestion than a rule. roads here are not a consistent width, so at one point you may be driving 5 abreast, then suddenly take a turn and it goes down to where only a single car or bus can fit through. there are pedenstians walking down the highway, sometimes in the middle of the road. there are guys on motorcycles that would squeeze in between us and huge busses or trucks ("lorries" I am told) with inches to spare. Also, these guys carry more stuff on a motorcycle or bicycle than most average Americans carry in their car. I saw motorcycles stacked 6-7 ft high with bags and bundles of stuff tied all over it. Everyone moves at top speed the entire time, so it just feels like hurtling through a Hollywood car chase or something.
And did I mention the honking... my driver honked constantly every time he even came near another vehicle. I'm sitting in my hotel room looking down on what looks like a 2 lane road and there is a constant cacophony of horns (and some of them are pretty creative horns too, a-whoo-ga!) One of the first things I noticed driving into the city was the haze of pollution everywhere. and all along the road I could see folks with big campfires, boiling pots, cooking or just hanging around them. apparently they just built a new airport (which was very nice BTW) outside of the city because the old airport was stuck in so much smog that the planes were having trouble landing. When I got to the hotel, there were 6 front desk guys all trying to help me at once. I didn't know who to address or even look at. It was overwhelming. Then after I freshened up a bit I went down and grabbed some breakfast. I was the only hotel guest in the restaurant for the breakfast buffet, and I had 4 guys waiting on me. for a buffet. frankly, they all literally just stood around my table and each of them in turn would take away individual plates, cups or utensils as a finished using each. eigh, this will REALLY take some getting used to. At least one of the guys was into making small talk, frankly it was just plain uncomfortable. Also, the buffet had some really crazy breakfast food. Over the next few weeks I will try everything, one at a time. but today I was really happy that he offered to make me an omelette, and there were these really good cilantro potatoes, and awesome fresh pineapple and watermelon. But at this point I am mainly thinking... I have eaten my first meal in India. so far, no stomach issues, so that is good ;^) And surprisingly, they brewed a tasty cup of coffee! Its 10 am here, and I'm trying to stay awake but I just feel wrecked, so I think I am going to try to take a nap for a few hours then maybe I will be brave enough to try to walk down the street. that may well be the most dangerous thing I do here.
the best thing about it so far is that people are incredibly friendly and hospitable. this will definitely be a real adventure!
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