Cars

There are a lot of NTV's (non-tactical vehicles) over here, and the overwhelming majority of them are SUV's. Most are Ford's, (I have a seen a handful of Toyota's and even a Landrover) and they all seem to be Explorers or trucks in a color of white or gray. If it weren't for remote entry the parking lots would be a nightmare. I am fairly confident that every contractor has their own vehicle, and that may be why there are so many of them. I think the contract to soldier ration is 1 to 1...I might be exaggerating a little bit. Either way, there are lots of NTV's and I do not have one. I do get the privilege of using one at work (I am thankful for this). Which is nice since I go to chow at 3 am and sometimes I need to buy something at the PX when it opens at 6 am.

Driving over here is an experience. The roads on JBB are tiny. They remind me of the streets in Italy. You think there is no way that two small vehicles can get down them at the same time, but somehow both drivers manage to pass each other and keep their rear view mirrors intact. It gets even more exciting when you pass an MRAP or 18 wheeler on the streets over here. Driving over here is not for the faint of heart (except that the speed limit is 25 MPH on most of the roads).

The best part of driving is the absolute lack of concern about the curb. We drive wherever we want...whenever we want. Need to make a u-turn? Just drive over the curb and turn around. Need to get to a building but can't find a paved entrance? Who cares?! Just drive over the curb and make your own parking lot.

Every now and then I see a car drive down the road and I do a double take. Like a real car. A sedan if you will. I wonder how those drivers deal with it? Maybe they just drive wherever they want too...but that seems a little more risky in a car. Anyway, driving over here has been fun and I will have to consciously remind myself when I get home that curbs exists for a reason and making your own driveway is not socially acceptable in the states.