Monday, October 6, 2008

KL driving isn't really just about driving.

Knowing how to drive is one thing. Actually getting to the destination is another.
After about a month living back in Malaysia, I've sort of absorbed the culture here. But one thing that's just going to need more time are the roads.
In KL, you've gotta learn how to use flyovers. There are flyovers on every highway - not one but multiple, with four different lanes to take depending on where you want to end up. And the best bit is the fact that sign boards only exist at the exit point, when it's too late to change your mind. So you have to know where you're going, or you're pretty much doomed.
I've gotten lost a few times, taken the wrong turn and panicked. Thanks to Bluetooth and my phone, and of course the person on the other end of the line directing me like a GPS navigator, I managed to get home safely all of those times. Admittedly, I've had to pay toll twice, but it's a learning experience.
Maps are useful but only to a certain extent. It gives you a rough idea of where places are, but you can't rely on it fully to get there because while the roads may be there, they don't necessarily take you to your desired destination because well, on the map, you can't draw a flyover. This is where the saying "so close yet so far" truly comes to life.
So a lesson learnt: ALWAYS ask for familiar landmarks and better still, ask which lane to keep to at certain points.
I seriously wonder whether these flyovers are doing us any good. Maybe if they improved the signboards it would. After all, we are internationally recognized for our good road planning, and our massive flyovers have made an impression to foreign countries.

1 comment:

Laurane said...

driving is scary. especially in KL.

update!