The Iranian Highway Code

I've come to realise that there is no highway code in Iran. Everyone has the right of way, even at red lights! If you've been to the Middle East, you'll know what I'm talking about.

Take today for example, we were on our way to the Husband's office this morning when we stopped at a red traffic light. A motorbike came speeding up from behind us, ignored the red light and went straight through the lights. Obviously the rest of the drivers (who had the green light) started honking at him. The motorcyclist then stops in the middle of the crossroads and starts arguing. What a joker. He's clearly in the wrong, but then makes things worse by stopping the rest of the traffic.

Roundabouts are another comedy.Drivers coming onto the roundabout have the right of way (supposedly), so it's a bit strange to drive onto the roundabout without looking, but then stop while on the roundabout to give way to others! Some of the larger roundabouts have traffic police who are employed to control things, but all you see them doing is playing on mobile phones!

Crossing the road here is another drama. I still can't understand how people cross so calmly. Me, I pray and run across!

For those of you that don't know, the Husband has a motorbike. He told me the other day that me sitting on the back of the bike is good, as I remember God so much! The Husband is a good driver (to give him some credit), its the other 500,000 drivers in the city that aren't. The most difficult thing to remember when on the bike is to bring the minimum amount of stuff on the bike (although I am getting quite good at balancing groceries) and to keep the compulsory chador (the black tent that you have to wear here) far away from the wheels.

I'm starting to realise why the level of spirituality is so high here. People are constantly praying to stay alive!