How does a westerner cross the road?

Well I am sorry I missed posting yesterday but I thought I would have lots more to cover over the weekend. Today is all about preparation for travels tomorrow. Tomorrow I am going to try to see some of the sights of the city. This will require me find a cab take it somewhere and get back. Scary and exciting!!

So today, I went for another walk down the street. Traffic was much worse today and I need to cross 100 foot road to get to the atm. I have heard a lot about crossing streets in India. It's not like they have crosswalks or much in the way of sidewalks. Today I learned if the traffic is backed up on the road then the sidewalks is where the bicycles, scooters, motorcycles, and autorickshaws will drive. One thing to remember when that happens... bob and weave. Definately need to bob and weave.

So I had read up on this whole "crossing the street" thing in various places. One of the suggestions is to find an Indian who is about to cross the road and follow them. This is a really good system because the car will hit the Indian first thereby keeping you safe. This worked fairly well but you do feel kind of bad when you realize you are using a 10 year old boy as car fodder.

There always comes a time, however, when no Indian is crossing the road. At this point you either need to be at one with side of the street you are on or grow a pair and get out there. I happy to say I have completed this right of passage. The chicken has crossed the road!!!

Another traffic related topic is the usage of the horns on the road. Yes, Indian use their horns ALOT. Sitting here in the apartment I hear them going constantly. Now you might think this is distracting but after about a day it just becomes background noise and merges with the sound of the birds. Someone was asking me if using the horns is some sort of road rage thing. Using your horn in India does not have the same emotional conotations as in the US. It's not necessarily a rude thing. Many of the trucks are painted "Please Horn" on the back. It's more of a communcation thing.

Ok well tomorrow I am going to try to venture out on my own. Scarry but interresting. In the meanwhile... I am trying to come up with a list of things that I need to see/do before I leave. I am looking for suggestions. Help me out... You haven't been to India unless you have seen/done... what?

So far, I have seen several cows, stray dogs, a temple, people doing their business in the street (both 1 and 2), a very determined begger (she looked frail but she had a grip like iron).