Traffic

A typical scene out of the window of our van.

The blue vans are a sort of bus service, where a trip to a common destination is sold for 10- 30 cents depending on distance and demand. One gathers at a central traffic hub and waits for a bus to pull up, teenager shouting the destination, and you climb in the one that you need. Each appears to be run privately, and there is no formal schedule. Each van seats 12.

There are essentially no traffic signals or signage, either. Vehicles all enter an intersection slowly at the same time, and like two rivers crossing each other seem to flow through the opposing traffic. Sometimes you cross an intersection without stopping, sometimes you must pause for a moment and wait for things to clear and a gap to open. It is definitely a learned skill.

Liberal use on one's horn helps alert other drivers to your plan.

We were told that fender benders were common, but American style "Road Rage" almost non existent. We personally witnessed many opportunities for yelling matches or obscene gestures, but none occurred.

Thanks to Andrew Janssen for the picture.

Peterclone