Comments on: The ultimate driving test

By: nad

nad — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 10:23:12 +0000

From my personal experience @ #4, the most important thing in Beirut is to wear a necktie! You can get away with ANYTHING if you are wearing a necktie… no one would suspect that a necktie wearing gentleman can do anything worth stopping at a checkpoint! Of course in different parts of the country the rule is different. In the South I always get pulled to the right when I am wearing a necktie: seems to be suspicious!

By: raymond

raymond — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 05:53:41 +0000

Ginger thanks for taking the time to do that helpful tips on driving in Lebanon.I think it is very much similar to that in Syria (chaos) except the Syrians are more easy going drivers and in my experience no road rage ever seen on Syria roads.
raymond from damascushostel

By: Rudi

Rudi — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 16:03:43 +0000

Ginger,

I love your description! This is only for driving in Beirut, maybe you should do another chapter on driving from Beirut to Chtaura , and how to make change the 2 lanes into a four lane high way when careering at break neck speed past 5 trucks and overloaded taxis in oncoming traffic! That could be hair raising for some visitors!

By: Georgia Paterson Dargham

Georgia Paterson Dargham — Thu, 27 May 2010 13:19:33 +0000

You’re right Carly, the same idea jumped out at me as I glanced over it once posted. To each their own method I guess…

By: Carly

Carly — Thu, 27 May 2010 13:14:30 +0000

This is so brilliant – except that when I read “get an automatic” I thought instantly of a weapon…. but would that prove as effective as red nail polish? I doubt it.

By: mary ann

mary ann — Tue, 25 May 2010 17:52:09 +0000

I love that #6 begins with an “if” clause. That says it all.

By all means, be insured, and since the best insurance out there is still a bargain, you might as well go delux. That way, when an uninsured Egyptian (nothing against Egypt, just saying) plows into you, you’re still covered.

By: Camden Luxford

Camden Luxford — Mon, 24 May 2010 20:10:26 +0000

Great post! I vividly remember the terror of Bahrain’s roads, and my distinct relief (mingled with disgust and anger, of course) of not being allowed to drive in Saudi Arabia. Gave me a good giggle, plus they’re handy tips. Especially on insurance.

By: Travel Safely: What you need to know to stay safe and keep having adventures » Todd's Wanderings

Mon, 24 May 2010 15:36:26 +0000

[...] alone. If you’re planning to get behind the wheel anywhere in the Middle East then these, Tips on Driving in the Middle East, from a Beiruti driver may help you get to your destination in one [...]