Life in Context

secretsam

The post about the traffic-light free town got me thinking...anyone been to Egypt and seen the horror of their anarchic roads?

Makes you grateful for what little road discipline there is over here... :?:

Gussio

I lived in Alexandria a few years back and drove to work each day. After a short time, seeming chaos actually resolves itself into something more sensible. Once you get the hang of it, the roads are surprisingly safe. Most important thing is to never look behind - whatever is going on behind your front bumper is someone else's problem (law of the fender). This means that it is REALLY important to focus upon what is going on infront of you. Second rule is to expect taxi drivers to always do something stupid (not unlike in other parts of the world!) and keep out of their way. Other than that, treat it like a computer game and enjoy the experience!! Never actually crashed, but had plenty of near misses - donkey carts coming the wrong way down the road in the dark, etc.. Much of this this down to the roads being so congested and the cars generally being crap, so nobody is ever going all that fast. In contrast I managed one day driving in Lebanon before giving up - the roads are much more empty there, the cars faster and the drivers more aggressive.

Used to cycle in Egypt, but never commuting which would be suicide. We would drive out into the delta early mornings and ride around the villages. Used to cause endless entertainment for the local folks to see two sweaty foreigners weaving their way between potholes! Happy days....

Pat920

Was in Cairo a few years back - borrowed a bike for a ride around during the rush hour. Give me London any day, even with the wind and rain.
The wadi, on the other hand, is a biker's delight (except for the wild dogs). Did manage to come off which was painfull.