Friends had predicted that India would come as a shock …. after a gap of 14 years. However things were more or less the same, except for the frequent traffic jams, more malls and access to all things foreign, sushi, and loads of flyover/ over-bridges.
In Kolkata, the cars or taxis lacked side mirrors or had them folded…like out of sight. Actually nobody needed them as our driver patiently explained, when I opened up a folded side mirror. In the absence of lanes, and in the presence of these super expert drivers, side mirrors were obsolete items, delicate appendages that were sure to crack if another vehicle squeezed by.
After numerous roller-coaster rides, I have now developed a healthy respect for all Kolkata drivers. No amount of squirming in my seat or a heightened pulse helped me as our car went through a single road without lanes but accommodating six vehicles in a row. Our driver took us through bumpy shortcuts where I prayed to mighty heaven for a second chance at life; and my heart tried to leap out on a sharp “U” turn in a one-way road, an amazing effort to bypass traffic, and expertly dodging all speeding vehicles hurtling towards us.
In Kolkata, the cars or taxis lacked side mirrors or had them folded…like out of sight. Actually nobody needed them as our driver patiently explained, when I opened up a folded side mirror. In the absence of lanes, and in the presence of these super expert drivers, side mirrors were obsolete items, delicate appendages that were sure to crack if another vehicle squeezed by.
After numerous roller-coaster rides, I have now developed a healthy respect for all Kolkata drivers. No amount of squirming in my seat or a heightened pulse helped me as our car went through a single road without lanes but accommodating six vehicles in a row. Our driver took us through bumpy shortcuts where I prayed to mighty heaven for a second chance at life; and my heart tried to leap out on a sharp “U” turn in a one-way road, an amazing effort to bypass traffic, and expertly dodging all speeding vehicles hurtling towards us.
“Praise Him with ringing cymbals, praise him with crashing cymbals, let every living creature praise the Lord”.
And He did indeed preserve me, as He preserved the young man on a bicycle, and that scraggy dog trotting by the road side, and the tiny child on a motorcycle, without a helmet, clutching on to his daddy's shirt.
Realization and fact - all Kolkata drivers can drive anywhere in the world and driving in Manhattan is a piece of cake for them. Moreover they could even help James Bond maneuver his mind-blowing escapades in a four wheeler.
Admiration apart, the thing that cheers me up after each car ride is the sondesh (Bengali sweet delicacy - yessir I have this sweet tooth!) and a glass of chilled water with which Maa greets me. In the U.S., I let myself in with a key, tired after endless driving and the back and forth stuff, grab a glass of water and get on with the chores. Here, Maa’s smile brings a smile in return, and literally the floodgates of my smile-chest open. So what if the ride has aspects of a roller-coaster? Hurray for our drivers, the lost side mirrors and the Bengali sondesh. I sure am enjoying the summery monsoon here in Kolkata. Love the way the cars swoosh through the knee high waters.
“CHEERS DADA”
P.S. But please do not underestimate the Delhi drivers. On a jammed road, as we patiently waited in our car, I saw some smart autos speeding by on the sidewalk, followed by equally smart motorbikes. Say, how come this idea did not strike you .... putting the sidewalk to good use?:)
