I was away for a long time but this didn�t stop me to drink the nectar of Armenia life.
After traveling for some years I became a very pacifist person and it was a shock for me today to realize that I am very much ready to declare a war. My slogan is no other than � Shoot the Marshrutka drivers� , and without any mercy. Yes, I am one of the �foreign� guys who tries to drive on Yerevan roads according to the driving regulations. And hell, a policeman can stop and ask me if I know how to drive? I add �shoot the police, too� and I have reason for that. Probably 90% of the drivers in Armenia have not passed a driving exam but couple of Greens do the job. I have passed exams in two countries that have very different driving systems: One, European the second , N American but still not qualified for Armenian roads. I don�t complain, I am doing my best to learn. Here are some tips: 1. don�t waste your nerves and energy on swearing marshrutka drivers, they know about it and they ignore it, they don�t even look at you. Why should they? They work for high ranking government officials, which means whatever they do they are immune of being punished. 2. If you see police take the most left lane. The chances to be stopped is slim. 3. If they stop you just don�t stop, just pretend that you are surprised, they will not chase you for that since time is money or two packs of Marlboro cigarettes. However I would advise you to wear bright shirts or t-shirts and try to look as much foreigner as possible. I have been stopped once and that time I was wearing a grayish T-shirt. 4. Try to get a car with red plates, it makes you the king of the road. If you get that buy � Born to be wild� single. Have a safe trip.
The second issue is concerning to the construction work. Whenever you start something make sure the construction people measure everything before they start their job. I am saying this because they might dig for meters and face a basalt 60cm wall of a building and then spent days to ponder that how to go thru it. Also never pay beforehand since your work will never finish. If in Cyprus today means tomorrow, in Armenian it means next week or next month.
Good luck. Just try not to loose your humour.
I wonder if Hertz rent a car on Abovian street has ever had a client. If you know, please share.
After traveling for some years I became a very pacifist person and it was a shock for me today to realize that I am very much ready to declare a war. My slogan is no other than � Shoot the Marshrutka drivers� , and without any mercy. Yes, I am one of the �foreign� guys who tries to drive on Yerevan roads according to the driving regulations. And hell, a policeman can stop and ask me if I know how to drive? I add �shoot the police, too� and I have reason for that. Probably 90% of the drivers in Armenia have not passed a driving exam but couple of Greens do the job. I have passed exams in two countries that have very different driving systems: One, European the second , N American but still not qualified for Armenian roads. I don�t complain, I am doing my best to learn. Here are some tips: 1. don�t waste your nerves and energy on swearing marshrutka drivers, they know about it and they ignore it, they don�t even look at you. Why should they? They work for high ranking government officials, which means whatever they do they are immune of being punished. 2. If you see police take the most left lane. The chances to be stopped is slim. 3. If they stop you just don�t stop, just pretend that you are surprised, they will not chase you for that since time is money or two packs of Marlboro cigarettes. However I would advise you to wear bright shirts or t-shirts and try to look as much foreigner as possible. I have been stopped once and that time I was wearing a grayish T-shirt. 4. Try to get a car with red plates, it makes you the king of the road. If you get that buy � Born to be wild� single. Have a safe trip.
The second issue is concerning to the construction work. Whenever you start something make sure the construction people measure everything before they start their job. I am saying this because they might dig for meters and face a basalt 60cm wall of a building and then spent days to ponder that how to go thru it. Also never pay beforehand since your work will never finish. If in Cyprus today means tomorrow, in Armenian it means next week or next month.
Good luck. Just try not to loose your humour.
I wonder if Hertz rent a car on Abovian street has ever had a client. If you know, please share.
posted by Haig at 8:36 PM
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