Rider in Bangalore INDIA

If you have been wait-listed on your motorcycle purchase recently, it is most likely because an Indian in Bangalore just bought it. There are room for about, truly, 2 more motorcycles, on the streets of Bangalore. Any more, and the traffic will most definitely come to a gridlock. Having a driver is important here, if you are a foreigner. A colleague here said that the traffic is the most dangerous he has ever seen anywhere, and he is a frequent world traveler. It is interesting. The first week, I would be so nervous while riding in the back of the car, I would involuntarily throw my hand up and make a weird noise, or somehow verbalize a word such as “BUS”, thinking to myself “who is the last person I told where I was going?” as I knew I would be in a serious accident. Tailgating in the US is “closer than 2 car lengths” while here in Bangalore, 6 cars/rickshaws/bikes can ride in a lane and a half, and no one is stressed (except, first week, me……”BUS!”). What is so odd and unexpected to me, is that, within 7 quick days, I am completely de-sensitized to all traffic scares, tailgates and tangles. It is like I have been “Bangalore-ized”, and I actually can almost fall asleep in the back of a car now. I NEVER expected this to happen, and during the first week, thought I would need a lot of Losartan to survive India. It is really amazing how quickly you adapt and don’t realize it. I wonder how this will translate to driving back in the US? Definitely here in India, drivers are different. They are aware that they are RIDING CLOSE to other drivers, and are keen on not making sudden wheel jerks. They also look out for motorcycles, and everyone is honking their horn. This means “I am coming” and gives a heads up that someone is literally within 3 inches of your vehicle. Keep hands at 10 and 2 and everyone survives! Indian drivers are certainly impressive to me, so far. Or maybe I am just happy to be ALIVE after 30 days. 