Getting around

We have about 5 drivers that take care of the expats here in Hyderabad. We call one person, Ismael, to organize a ride if we need it, and the drivers show up to take us where we need to go. It's fantastic, and very fortunate for us, because not only do they drive on the left side, but traffic rules seem to be completely optional.

People come at you from any direction at any time, and the lines on the road don't necessarily mean anything. There are water buffalo, pedestrians, carts, tractors, fruit vendors, mopeds, bicyclists, motorcycles (with around 4 people on on them at a time), Rickshaws, water tankers, buses and other cars that make for an interesting trip. If you happen to get behind one of those water buffalo, pedestrians, cart, etc, and you want to pass - no worries! You just honk your horn until they move, or cross over the line into oncoming traffic to pass. It's good fun.

The road conditions don't help matter much either. You can be driving along on the same street you were on the day before, and suddenly it will be under repair with no warning signs or indication other than the elephant-sized hole in the ground.

I haven't taken any trips by car out of the city yet, but I've heard that's even more of an experience. In the city, you are forced to drive slowly since the areas are usually so congested. In the outskirts of town, however, there is still the 'no rules' policy, but at 60 mph. Needless to say, we all buckle up when we get in the car no matter what. Safety first!