Hello all! Excuse my absence. Thankfully there is a more type-orientated way of communicating because right now my voice resembles that of Scooby, or at least some kind of grumbly dog. 
So yep, I’m back from Hong Kong and don’t I know it? I did have a mini-diary, which I kept updated throughout the holiday but it seems to have gone walkies, ha.
Since my last visit, 3 years ago, I had forgotten how hectic the driving was in Hong Kong. Overtaking, undertaking at speed. Taking on oncoming traffic when exiting roundabout.
One particular day could have ended in a tragedy though. My family and I were taking a taxi back to our flat. Like any other taxi driver, this taxi was switching lanes frequently – overtaking the light buses and other bigger vehicles. However, after the traffic light turned green he drove, went to switch to the left lane. Only, there was another taxi already in the left lane, who had to stop abruptly, as our taxi driver seemed clueless as to what was happening. On my brother’s side we literally saw the front corner of the other taxi. We (the family) were horrified, we came within inches of a serious accident. My mum even told the guy that he almost hit a car. It went a little something like this:
Family: *Eyes wide opened*. Some panic noises.
Mum: You almost hit another car!
Taxi guy: *Calm, not knowing something serious could have happened* No, I didn’t. There was no one behind.
Me: Oh yeah, then what is that vehicle right behind you?
Mum: Yes you did! You almost hit a green taxi.
Taxi guy: *Still clueless* There wasn’t a green car behind.
Me: *turns to sister* He didn’t even do his mirror checks.
Sister: I know.
Taxi guys chuckles and rambles on about it being clear but Mum telling him otherwise. I turn to my brother and he’s raised his eyebrows.
Family: Idiot!
All four of us can drive, and automatically do the checks even if we are not the destination driver. For the taxi guy to not even notice a green taxi on the other lane, and brush away our “paranoia” is more than worrying.
Aside from that “mishap” I forgot just how convenient Hong Kong transportation was. Oh, and I witnessed my first female taxi driver. I have never even seen one on my previous visits back to Hong Kong.
Welcome to my - Annie's - personal blog. Here is where you can read my ramblings and feeble attempts at humour.
April 26th, 2009 at 2:36 pm
This totally reminds me of what the driving is like in Egypt. It’s amazing how I’ve never witnessed an accident, considering the crazy way they drive! They must all be really lucky
April 27th, 2009 at 11:23 am
@Kaylee: The whole situation reminded me of the photo you put on your blog.
Yes, I believe the universe is working with them.
Though I’ve been told that learners don’t experience the “real road” until they’re legal to drive. :S
April 30th, 2009 at 8:43 pm
This is exactly the reason why I tend to avoid taxis in any country other than my own. (And it is not as if Singapore taxis are any better.
)
Taxi drivers tend to have this ‘know it all’ mentality, considering how they are on the road 24/7. Hence, the overconfidence.
I was in Hong Kong just about 4 months ago. I relied on the MTR throughout. The only time I stepped into a taxi was when I was heading to my hotel from the airport. The driver was so obsessed with talking to my friend and I, and asking where we came from while at the same time, weaving in and out of traffic.)
I was so tempted to tell him to just shut up and drive. (Although my mandarin version of that sentence wouldn’t come out as impactful because I stutter when attempting mandarin.)