From Brahma to Buddha, Fall 2007

Ole and Nathan sporting their safety helmets

I haven't posted yet, so this first post should be rather interesting and different from all the other possible first posts I could have posted, but haven't posted yet. Posted...

The road from Leh to Dhomkar is rather adventurous. The signs along the "highway" provide comic relief to the native English speaker as the car turns wide corners on the steep rocky ledges that have no guard rail, and all the passengers hold their breath and cope with the tingling sensation in their toes that speaks of imminent death. The drive is really quite pretty, fun, and a little sickening to those weak in stomach.
Now, I am not making up any of these road signs in a weak attempt to be funny. Every one of the signs appeared on a yellow triangle along the road. There were no "normal" signs, like speed limits, or merge left or whatever. There was also no paint on the skinny road, providing a feeling of chicken every time an oncoming car approached. I am also not making spelling errors or grammar errors. Enough talking, read the signs.
-No race no ralley enjoy beauty of valley
-Dont be gama in the land of lama
-Speed thrills but kills
-We salute our brave soldiers
-Himank cares where eagles dare
-Under Himanksweat mountains meet
-Bro and army made for eachother
-Man proposes god disposes
-Safety first speed next
-Friendship is a sheltering tree
-Child is the father of nation
-Whiskey is risky rum is bomb
-Bro can make road anywhere except in the sky
-Your safety our concern
-Drive cautiously avoid accident
-Shortcuts may at short your life
-Speed like knife cuts life
-Horn please
-Wish you a safe and happy journey
-Drive slower live longer
-Someone somewhere is waiting for you drive slowly
-Please check your brakes
- Menatwork drive slow inconvenience regretted
-Thanks
-Speed is a knife that cuts life
-Drive slowly reach safely
-Drive carefully live cheerfully
-Leave nothing even your foot preint
-We respect those who respect the law
-Enjoy the virgin nature while drive in Ladakh
-When the going gets tough the tough gets going
-Be MR late but not late MR
-Better late than never
-Peep peep dont sleep
-Speed and safety never mix
-Why hurry?
-Drive fast and test our recovery
-Safety is checking before moving
-He who touches 90 flies to die at 19

I kid not. Who needs speed limit signs with such messages of hope and safety along the road? No matter how uncomfortable and squished the passenger feels, No matter how sick the bumpy road makes one feel, at least the road is funny.

Parents worry not. The drivers are quite skilled at traversing these tricky roads, and I exaggerate a little with my colorful imagery. I hope that one day everyone gets a chance to drive on Ladakhi highways!