I’m doing it!
Traffic in Abu Dhabi is… well, a nightmare. People from all over the world merge on this city and basically follow whatever traffic laws they like. At least that’s the way it seems. Driving on the shoulder is common, horns are honking all over the place, and no one indicates (just like you, Mom!).
I was pretty terrified at even the thought of driving. However, after two months of taxis, buses, and hitching rides from friends… It was time. You can only stand on the road in the hot sun waiting for a taxi for so long. Not to mention my school is a good 45 minute drive from my apartment.
Last weekend I hopped into my very own rental car. Enjoying my new life over here… I thought I’d get something vastly different from my ride at home. A nice shiny silver Toyota Yaris… hatchback! That’s right. My choices were a silver sedan, a silver hatchback, a black sedan, or a black hatchback. I didn’t want a black car in the desert, and I didn’t want the exact same car I have at home… so hatchback it was. I love it.
Turns out… I love driving in this crazy city! This is what I see on my way to work:
Not too bad, huh?
Of course, just as I felt like I was getting the hang of this whole driving thing… I got a ticket! I was barely even driving! I was picking Molly up at our favorite hang out, Baby City, when an officer stopped me and asked for my license. The next thing I know a different officer handed me my license back… and a ticket. Molly, sweet sweet Molly, jumped out of the car to ask what the problem was… we didn’t get many answers. I took the ticket (in Arabic) to school and a teacher told me that the officer didn’t even write down my offense! We think I went straight in the parking lot when I should have gone right. Oops!
People drive on the shoulder at top speeds… but heaven forbid you miss a sign at Baby City!
xo, jill
Hey! I use my blinker when there is someone around to see it.
Besides, I think you’ve passed me in the traffic citation count so I guess I’m doing okay.
Love the Molly/Jill photo!
How much is gasoline? Sold by the gallon/liter?
Love the photo too!
So, do you have a permanent rental sort of deal, or do you swing by and pick up a car whenever you need it, like Zip car?
What’s the fancy building you get to drive by — palace? mosque?
Mom: I’ve been taking speed bumps very slowly here because they are huge. Makes me think of you.
Dad: Gas is by the gallon. It costs about $12 or so to fill my tank.
Nikki: Six month contract.
Taune: It’s the Grand Mosque… one of the largest in the Middle East and gorgeous.
So huge speed bumps make you think of me? Hmm..