After spending 2 weeks cursing the auto rickshaw drivers for their incessant badgering about whether we wanted to hire them, we finally found ourselves needing a ride. Then the negotiations began as one driver after another refused to take us while using his meter. They quoted rates. We refused and walked on. We finally got the 20 rupee quote we wanted, only to have another walla inform our driver that he had to raise the quote to 30 rupees. And the dance begins. The attached video provides some idea of the excitement of traveling in a motor rickshaw on the streets of Chennai. Lane markings are an infrequently utilized suggestion. Acceleration is always at a maximum – but with a 175cc engine, it’s not very much. Drivers weave and bob looking for even the slightest advantage. Following distances are closer than I am even comfortable standing next to another person. Yet for all this apparent chaos, there is an incredible structure. Drivers are courteous, always allowing others to cut in front of them. Horns are honked continuously as a courtesy to other drivers and pedestrians. In fact, many vehicles tout a “Please Honk” sign on the back. While I am always grateful to survive any time spent near a road, I am also struck by the apparent serenity of an extremely noisy and presumably dangerous undertaking. How do you find peace in chaos?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment