Tuk and More Tuk Tuks

The traffic in Phnom Penh is very bustling. When one observes the way the tuk tuks, motos, bicycles and cars (that include the small ones, like the mini cooper (so surprise when I saw this) to the big ones, like the couple hummers I have seen)one would most likely think there would be accidents everywhere. All of these different modes of transportation all share the road together. There are virtually no stop lights. I have only seen maybe two, but then again, I heard that no one pays attention to them. I have only seen one or two stop signs, once again, most likely to be ignored. It can be pretty intimidating to see and watch. Generally people drive together in the same direction, but sometimes you will see people driving against traffic going the other way. No surprise to anyone. The way traffic works in Phnom Penh that I have seen so far,is that everyone yields at all time and that traffic is pretty slow for the most part. Pedestrians just cross through when they find openings and vehicles will just weave around. It was a little worrisome when I saw a woman and her young baby just cross through heavy traffic like it was no worries. You see pedestrians just weaving in and out of traffic like it was easy as pie. This was like Beijing, but ten time magnified. It was just so interesting to watch. I have to admit that my first time crossing a roundabout was scary. But when I got the sense that people will not hit and just drive around you, the heavy traffic becomes less intimidating and more natural in a way. I learned that there is a rule to traffic here and it is that small vehicles must yield to big vehicles. Not too sure where I heard that from, but from observing traffic, it seems that way. Phnom Penh is not really made for walking, since sides and crosswalks are non-existents. So the use of tuk tuks are very frequent. They are very fun to ride in, with the breeze blowing through your hair on a very hot and humid day. It is very NICE! Even when it begins to downpour, the ride is very relaxing as the rain just pours down like falling rocks. Tuk tuks are very nice since they are a very inexpensive way to get around the city. The negotiating the price of fare is the fun part. By the end of this trip my bargaining language skills will be superb!