Hello !
The first time I found myself in Cyprus, I followed all the routine I follow each time during my business trips; I picked-up my luggage and went directly to the rentals' booth where I gave my reservation code and waited for the clerk to proceed to the necessary arrangements so to pick-up my car.
This specific time though, there was a sliiiiight difference that I had unintentionally forgotten. There was no stirring wheel !!!
Well.... actually there was one, but... it was on the other side of the car !
In Cyprus, as well as in the UK, some countries in Africa, Japan, Australia, India (and some other countries) the steering wheel is on the right part of the car and not on the left....
Having respected the clerk's mental health, I didn't show anything in regards with my surprise and temporary loss of memory...
I pretended that I opened the left door just to put my purse and proudly walking, I went on the other side to finally enter the right-proper- side of the car...
I was waiting the clerk to leave in order to re-organize my mind and calm down. At this point, I would like to tell you that -objectively speaking- I am a good and experienced driver (no accidents, no penalties, no tickets). So, I recalled all this experience and started the engine. I said to myself that, until I used to it, it should be better to drive slow and safe on the right side of the road as a prudent and wise-thinking driver...
Don't laugh ! Please don't... ! (actually, I am laughing too commemorating that day...!)
I think you can imagine how the story goes...
Driving on the right side, admiring the tranquility of the green environment and the light breeze entering my window..... gross horns behind and aside me destroyed all this idyllic situation; like a pinch in a balloon !
Furthermore, the heehaw horns were accompanied by opening hands in full extension (no... they weren't saluting me...!)
I was shocked, as I couldn't understand what was happening, until one driver, together with the previous "listening-signing driving lessons", decided to offer me an extra oral lesson ... : "@#%$@% if you want to go like a turtle drive on the left...!"
Furious by this unacceptable and terribly rude behavior, I was ready to reply to this man as he deserved, when I suddenly realized what was happening !
I bounced on my seat like a spring !!! OMG !!!! Blushed and shamed, I started mumbling "I am sorry sir, I am terribly sorry..."
Actually, I am pretty sure he didn't even heard of my apologies... Anyway, he ....saluted me (as previously explained...) and left !
Ok, the point here is one : Before entering a country, if you want to drive, check in advance everything about local regulations, safety and legislation. If this is the most common difference among "driving cultures" there are also other kind of restrictions; in some countries for example, women are not allowed to drive. Check about the validity of the driving licence in another country, the insurance (what covers outside your country), useful phone numbers in both the country of origin and the country you are moving and be prepared for anything unexpected, i.e. make sure that you have all that necessary in case of an incident.
Being prepared and driving wise will make you enjoy your rides -and avoid any tickets of course-!
Have fun !
