February 10, 2009
Hello,
I am reminded of Russia by all the dirt paths in town. Even though this is a city of several million there are often no sidewalks, but red dirt trails formed by many feet passing over. People seem to walk everywhere even risking life and limb to across busy streets as they dodge cars and buses. Many streets are in various stages of disrepair from good to big pot holes. Tires are changed about every six months since they wear out frequently. Often there are no traffic lanes marked so drivers just create their own spot. Sometimes someone would feel a need to get ahead so they would carve out another lane making us travel in a close pack.
There are many buses and even more vans crammed with people and sometimes loaded with unbelievable amounts of goods on top. Out in the country we saw many people using bicycles and walking. They drive aggressively in the right lane with liberal use of their horns. (I think both Leroy and I would have to search for the horn in both of our cars.) Toyota is the most commonly seen car on the road. They have round-abouts and almost no traffic lights. I am glad I am not driving because it would take a lot of thinking on my part to end up on the proper side of the road.
Men wear long often black pants with a dress style shirt. Men wear shoes, not sandals. Women almost always wear Sunday dresses. School children wear uniforms. In the country we did see some woman carrying their load on their heads. There are numerous stands along the streets and roads selling everything imaginable from furniture to food.
Light switches are reminiscent of Europe. All signs are in English and almost everyone appears to speak two languages. People spend much time out of doors. Or at least I see a lot of people out all of the time.
Paula
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