Just to let you all know that I've arrived safely in China and settled in the hotel where I'll be staying the next couple of months. Broadband internet access from the hotel room is free so I'll be able to keep up with the latest gossip in the forum.
I haven't seen a caravan here yet but the traffic is absolutely chaotic and every bit of road is used to get ahead, even if it means overtaking on the inside or, better still, crossing the centre line and using the oncoming lanes if you're held up by traffic on your side. Should traffic lights make a stop unavoidable, and I mean unavoidable because there is traffic on the crossing, not because the lights are red, the usual practice is to stop on an oncoming lane and make a quick start when the lights turn green, then cut in front of the rest of the traffic that is heading the same direction as you. If you want to make a turn, you do it regardless of any following or oncoming traffic. Someone's got to brake, but why should it be you?
I haven't seen a caravan here yet but the traffic is absolutely chaotic and every bit of road is used to get ahead, even if it means overtaking on the inside or, better still, crossing the centre line and using the oncoming lanes if you're held up by traffic on your side. Should traffic lights make a stop unavoidable, and I mean unavoidable because there is traffic on the crossing, not because the lights are red, the usual practice is to stop on an oncoming lane and make a quick start when the lights turn green, then cut in front of the rest of the traffic that is heading the same direction as you. If you want to make a turn, you do it regardless of any following or oncoming traffic. Someone's got to brake, but why should it be you?
