Traffic!

I started to drive here in Beirut. That may not seem like a big deal to most of you but I assure you, it`s quite a brave step. Here are some typical traffic scenarios from around town.

There are lanes but nobody uses them. If there is room, you squeeze yourself in between to get as close to the people in front of you as possible:


Nobody uses their turn signal and it is not uncommon for someone to suddenly veer over 2 or 3 lanes to exit or stop at the side of the road...especially taxis. People will also sort of glide around from one side of their "lane" to another just to keep you on your toes. Usually they are talking on their cell phone.

There are very few stop signs or traffic lights although there is usually a traffic policeman "guiding" the traffic as best as he can at the very busy intersections. You just have to "stick in" and hold your breath to get through the intersection.

There is no speed limit. At least none that anyone follows. If there is space, you should gun it as fast as you can for the 20 or so metres until you catch up to the traffic ahead of you...and there is ALWAYS traffic ahead of you!

There are no rules about seatbelts or carseats. In fact, it`s perfectly acceptable to ride standing in the sunroof, in the trunk of the car, or hanging out the back door:








Also, every second you are here blasts of the horn. If you wait one second after the light (when there is a light!) turns green...BLAST! If someone wants to pass you...BLAST! If someone thinks you are too slow....BLAST! If someone wants to merge into your lane....BLAST!

Lastly, if you are lucky (and brave enough to take your eyes off the road), you can see posters such as this one of Miss Ooolala:


The most amazing thing about all of this chaos is that there is very little road rage (except from dh...haha). People just shrug and honk and smile and gesture and continue on their merry way!