Cars

Although I haven´t driven a car in close to 3 weeks, I can´t help to think so much about the culture of automobiles here in Perú. From an American´s perspective, it´s freakin´ crazy. There are few intercetions with stoplights or stop signs. A few intersections have square box-type posts in which a traffic cop sits and determines which direction gets to go. Many streets are one way. But that´s about it for regulation. In between, it´s a game of weave. If you want to make a left turn, you pull out in front of someone, or you don´t get through. About 85% of vehicles on the road are little taxis, many of which are tricked out by their owners. The taxis have traditional horns as well as driver-controlled car alarms. When the traffic stops for more than, say, 5 seconds, an onslaught of horns, beeps, blips, whistles, whines, and any other electrical sounds barrage your eardrums.

Another mode of transportation is combis, which are mini-busses that employ someone to hang out the door and yell the destination to people on the street hoping to drum up some business. These are pretty cheap and, if you can figure out where they're going, a pretty good source of transportation. Oh, there are hybrids, too. The Dodge Coronet, a relative of the Charger (remember the General Lee from the Dukes of Hazzard?), is alive and well here in Arequipa. It picks up people like a combi, but holds fewer people (maybe 10?), It has a huge V8, and often has huge, custom hood ornaments. They are the pride of their owners, who are more than willing to pose for pictures with them.

Of course, busses roam the highways (really just 2-lane roads). The drivers aren´t afraid to pass large construction semi-trailers or other other busses, drive in the oncoming traffic lane, or even fish-tail out of a gravel parking lot. Seat belts are used infrequently.

There are private cars lurking about the streets of Arequipa. Most are pre-1990. I've seen a lot of VW bugs and buses that would make many-a hippie drool over. Datsun is alive and well in Peru, as well. And occasionally, you can find some AMC's around. Somehow, they keep on chuggin.

Overall, the roads in Arequipa are dicey. They keep you on your toes, literally. However, I´ve yet to see one of the many dogs roaming the streets get hit by a moving vehicle.