Good Luck Everybody!!!

I’m back in Bangkok and one of the best things about this place is that it has a pretty good public transportation system. You can get pretty much anywhere using either the skytrain, or the subway. Both systems are very clean, modern and well run. Probably the second best subway/mass transit system I’ve been on, Vienna (of course) being the best. Granted, taking mass transit is not as exciting as renting a scooter but its a lot less stressful. The rules of the road in Southeast Asia are a lot different, almost like its completely different part of the world or something.

Rule #1 -- Traffic signals are suggestions.
Rule #2 -- Whether you’re supposed to drive on the right side of the road (Cambodia and Vietnam) or the left (Thailand), it is okay, and somewhat encouraged, to go the wrong way on a street to get to where you must.
Rule #3 -- Whatever the owner’s manual says about how much weight your scooter can hold, double it.
Rule #4 -- Whatever the owner’s manual says about how many people you can fit on your scooter, double it.
Rule #5 -- The best way for someone to learn how to drive later in life is for them to steer when they’re 3.
Rule #6 -- Right turns from the left hand lane are perfectly legal.
Rule #7 -- The horn is the most effective means of communication. When used it can mean:

a. Do you need a ride?
b. Would you like to partake in either female company or illicit drugs?
c. Please be aware that I’m approaching on your left.
d. Please be aware that I’m approaching on your right.
e. Please be aware I’m cutting across traffic because I may have missed my turn.
f. Please be aware I’m cutting across traffic because it is my prerogative.
g. Please be aware I’m going the wrong way on this street because it may save me time.
h. Please be aware I’m driving on the side walk because it may save me time.

If you ever plan on driving here,whether scooter or car, study these rules. I’ve learned these the hard way but that is another story.