Today we got a van and driver to go to the beach. We crammed 11 people (5 adults + kids) in the van and tore off across Bali. The driver was incredibly competent but the passing on curves and into traffic was intense to say the least. I know what you are thinking "Really they are going to talk about driving again when they are on a beautiful island." And the answer is yes. Why because it is an amazing dance. They are not unsafe or aggressive drivers and I think it is best explained that until recently there were not cars here only scooters. Now people who drive big vans still drive like they have a scooter. The system of driving here would not work anywhere in America. The aggression and need to be right or first would cause an incredible amount of crashes or road rage. Accidents are rare here and yet there seem to be virtually no rules. This works because the people are kind and helpful. We passed many exciting wonders like monkeys on bikes, big dump trucks full of people going to temple, and funny signs like "tanks for coming".
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| First a monkey on the back of a bike |
What we saw on the way.
a few pigs on the way to market. We also saw chickens in baskets on top of cars as well. Amazingly enough they seemed so calm flying down the road.
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| all the kids peeking out the front van window. no car seats here |
The final road to the beach was not much more than a dirt path. this did not discourage the driver at all. The kids loved the roller coaster like ride. My full bladder was not as excited!
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| ahhh the beach. |
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| clare is sunning out on the point. watching tropical fish |
Pigs at the beach. We also saw calves. It was kind of like a farm beach.
Vaughn spent lots of time covering Zion's feet in the sand and making "snow balls"
Here I am wearing my swim shirt. The locals were concerned that I was cold!
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After a day of swimming, eating fresh fish and drinking coconuts and coke colas we made our way home. Safely. For the first time in my life I was perfectly happy not driving.
I can almost taste the Coca-colas and feel the "snow" balls!
ReplyDeleteThe driving reminds me of hitchhiking on the island of Saba, where I was picked up by a truck. I sat in the back where the truck bed was so rusty you could see the road under your feet. The roads are so twisty that drivers honk before going around the corner, at which point you think they would slow down, but nope, of coarse they speed up! It seems like a fair generalization to say that the warmer the climate, the crazier the driving!