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One of the biggest adjustments for me when I moved to Kuwait was the driving. These people drive like monkeys blindfolded on E. This is a clip on a good day.
The biggest challenges for me were the giant circular “ring” roads. Cars, taxis and buses crossing 4 to 6 lanes of traffic at 4 entrance points into one circle. It’s crazy. At first I would just sit as a passenger and close my eyes heading into them. My blood pressure would climb rapidly and suddenly I find myself thinking about all the things I still wanted to do in life. 3 years later I still avoid them, like the plague, taking every possible detour and if all else fails, I can kinda sorta make it through them with only hooting at about 3 people. This number is improving with time
Pointless facts:
• Kuwaitis drive on the opposite side of the road to South Africans.
• Kuwait has one of the world’s highest death rates on its roads and with one visit to this country it’s easy to believe it.
• It’s surprisingly easy to get around without a map, the roads are based on a grid system which is pretty easy to follow.
• Their buses are just as annoying as South African taxis: stopping anywhere as and when they choose to.
• Taxis are really easy to come by and pretty convenient. Although as in any country, they’ll try get more money from you if you’re new to the country and don’t know what things should cost yet.
• Oh and as a woman driving in this country, it’s not uncommon to get hit on by male motorists, at least once a day, and in some extreme case, have them follow you home. Don’t worry, most of the time they’re harmless and all they want is your phone number, but still it can get really annoying. All you do then is flash your ring finger at them (if you’re married) and then they pretty much leave you alone, so singles women out there, keep a fake in your purse and you’re sorted. Works for me.
10. Walk up to the guy in front of you and begin an interesting, innovative lecture on the positives of recycling.
9. Lay on your horn and scream out the window “Your emissions are killing me!” See if it helps get things moving.
8. Ask the person driving the vegetable oil-powered Mercedes if the smell makes her crave French fries. Then offer her French fries.
7. Hide under the open car windows of smokers. When they toss their cigarette butts out the window, throw them back.
6. Plow into a Yukon and see if it’s true that they “react” like a tank.
5. Collect road kill for tonight’s dinner. After all, it’s recyclable.
4. Harness a team of trusty street rats to the car. Explain to curious passers-by that you’re just taking sustainable living to an awesome new level.
3. Ask the person next to you if this is the line for cheap gas.
2. Walk around asking hybrid car owners just how silent is their silent running.
1. Turn the car off, get out and push. You’ll get there faster anyway.
Courtesy of Katherine Butler




