Glad I did it ...once

I had my first terrifying experience in India yesterday- it was on a motorcylce. Venky asked me if I wanted to join him for a meeting that was about 10 minutes away and said he was going by bike. I hesitated at first, but then thought- What the hell! There are bikes all over the road and everyone on them acts very normally, considering it's a very common mode of transportation. I, however, was gripping onto the side-handle bars so tight, I thought I was going to actually lift the rear of the bike.

I've been on a motorcycle in the US a few times but there are a few subtle differences. For example, in the US, we have lanes and we use them. We also have stop lights and use turn signals. In India, they have lanes too, they just don't necessarily use the ones that are designated to go in a specific direction. In other words, going into the opposite lane of traffic is totally legit. Turn signals here consists of honking. If you're going to pass a car, honk. If you're going to turn, honk. Merge into traffic? Honk. You get my point. I don't know how it works, but it does. Quite well, actually. Every inch of space is used and you don't really hit the brakes until you're so close you can reach out and touch the car next to you. But like I said, it works.

I have to give major props to Venky. He is a very good driver. Even though we seemed to be going much faster than everyone else, I didn't feel the need to scream into his ear once. (Although I might have whispered "oh my god" a few times. ) He was even able to tell me about some buildings we were passing and used his arms to point at them. Even though I was trying my best to listen, I was also praying that one doesn't really need both hands to drive a motorcycle.

Anyway, I had fun. I'm glad I did. Not sure if I'll do it again, though. :)