Traffic Jam

Well, I have officially caused a crazy traffic Jam here in Madagascar. YES, it was all completely my fault and the people in my truck with me were a bit horrified. They actually sank down in their seats so that the people on the outside and in the street would not see them.

Looking back it was quite the funny day or experience but while it was happening and while I was causing the back up it was horrifying and such an incredibly terrible situation to sit through.

Traffic Jam (One Way)

Clogged the streets in 4 directions because I missed a one way sign. You see the one way streets are in abundance here. Even two way streets should really be one way streets many times. Well, I missed the sign and we were traveling during high traffic time down a very narrow street in the wrong direction. At first I asked the others that were with me if I had gone the wrong way and should turn around. They hesitated and told me to keep going in the same direction, so I did. The issue was down the road, it became very narrow, so narrow that my large and magnificiant truck would scratch on the walls around me when I tried to get over so that the oncoming cars could pass me. This worked for a little bit, only until a truck my size tried to pass me and started digging into the crude brick wall to his right side. He was less than a 1/2 inch from my fender and from there I could only imagine that we would become one Truck in a matter of seconds and then NO ONE would be getting around either of us.

Finally with much pleading, I was able to get the Malagasy friend that was with me get into the drivers seat by climbing over the seat to get me out of this crazy mess. So, when this happened some of the Malagasy people on the road started yelling at him in Malagasy. I kept telling everyone that I was so very sorry but that was not going very far. After some talking, apologizing and some great driving on my friends part we were out of the narrow opening and moving toward the junction.

Traffic in 4 directions was backed up, horns were honking and people were shouting and gesturing all in Malagasy. I guess this is one of the times that I have to be very glad that I don't fully understand the language.

I know for a fact that I will not miss that junction again! I am still timid when I drive on that street and from now on I know that there is another sign to look for when it comes to a one way street. If I can't laugh at myself then I guess I should just go back to the States!