Chris is here too

A few people have commented to me about my lack of posts on this blog so far. I can assure you that it an indication of my laziness rather than any unhappiness. Susan has done such a great job at writing about what we've been doing, I haven't had much to add. Now that I've finished sorting out all of the basic life issues (house, motorbike, groceries, international holidays, maid), I have a bit more time on my hands, so I thought I would begin contributing. To avoid repeating what Susan has said, though, I'm going to write about an aspect of life in Laos. Today, I'll tell you a bit about road rules in Laos.

1. Road rules is a misnomer. They are more accurately described as suggestions.
2. Most people ride motorbikes, but cars are the ultimate status symbol here, so we are told that some cars are owned by families that share a two bedroom hut between ten people. Cars are taxed at 110%, though, so most vehicles are still motorbikes.
3. A Lao motorbike is to an Australian motorbike what a Hyundai Getz is to a Supercar. Completely and utterly gutless, but easier to drive. My brand new US$587 Korean bike has been pushed as high as 65km/h, but cruising speed is generally 45-50km/h in good conditions. (That's fast here.)
4. Most Lao people drive on the right hand side of the road most of the time. Most of the rest of the time, they drive on the left. The remaining time is spent driving on the footpath.
5. When a traffic light goes red, that is an indication that someone somewhere behind you will have to stop.
6. When a traffic light goes green, that is an indication that you will be able to go soon. Going is at your own leisure though. The light turning red again while you wait does not prevent you from utilising your right to go whenever you are ready.
7. On roundabouts, you give way to traffic coming from your right. (This deserves careful consideration - remember that the regular side of the road in Laos is the right hand side, so roundabouts go in reverse compared to Australia.)
8. 70-80% of Lao motorcyclists wear helmets. 70-80% of these have them done up.
9. A Lao standard helmet has similar properties to an ice cream bucket (often including their ability to fit on a head). Some others bear an uncanny resemblance to construction site hard hats. (Susan and I bought our helmets in Australia.)
10. For motorbikes only: White lines on the ground have no purpose. There is no such thing as a lane.
11. Give way to vehicles that are bigger than you.