Okay...so I was away for a while there...hmm a long while actually. But I'm back. I need a place to rant and my Facebook status just doesn't accommodate that many words!! There are some thoughts that need to be expressed in more than 200 characters.
The update is that I have a new Mac so that makes typing easier. Easier on the eyes too with the super clear screen! Thanks to Mangesh, who surprises me on rare occasions.
I am also now officially a scooter riding Mama! Bought one over the summer for riding to swimming lessons and such. Rickshaws are a highly unreliable source of transport, you never know when you will be refused a ride on one just because the travel distance is too short, or because the driver simply is not traveling to that part of town. My "Hero Honda Pleasure" now takes me short distances (with Mira) and longer without her. "Why should boys have all the fun?" indeed!
The down side is facing the Pune traffic. Pune people drive like there is no tomorrow! Rules are meant to be broken seems to be their motto, whether young or old. Even 65 year olds drive like they just got their permit yesterday! Not to forget the pedestrians. I am one myself, but always make sure to follow the rules. Even if I tend to deviate I have my little disciplinarian with me. "Immy we have to cross the road at the zebra-crossing only" she says oh so seriously. I'll walk across and cross the road back just to make peace with her!! I'm glad she is aware of the rules at such a young age and make it a point to follow them. If only I could say the same for a lot other people. Not only do they put their lives in danger but also those of the children they tag along. These are not the uneducated lot, mind you. Individuals who would otherwise seem educated and "cultured" seem to lack any knowledge about road safety and traffic regulations.
I read an article in the newspaper today about the PMC (Pune Municipal Corporation) organising a competition for schools about traffic sense. http://epaper.dnaindia.com/epapermain.aspx?queryed=40&username=&useremailid=&parenteditioncode=40&eddate=8%2f23%2f2010
There should be more such initiatives taken by the schools and the parents on a regular basis. WE need to remember that schools are the pillars of education, but the foundation is laid by the parents themselves. How can you raise a responsible citizen without being one yourself?
