Monday, March 17, 2014

Responding to your comments/questions

I am so glad you guys have been reaching out and posting questions and comments.  They are really encouraging.  Here are answers to some them.

Cost of living update:
I am still waiting on my contact to get back to me with her monthly budget.  I am also reaching out to other expats (especially those with kids) to try and get a better feel for what different people spend on life here.  Sorry, but the whole concept of time is a bit different here, and that is taking some getting used to. 

Cars:
  • This one is going to be tough because I don't drive; however, I do take taxis everywhere and spend a great deal of time on the road.  As I see other people navigate the car purchasing/importing/shipping process, I'll fill you in. 
  • Someone asked about right hand drive cars.  I saw a very old right hand drive SUV the other day, and wondered a couple of things namely, how that car got here, and how that driver was still alive.  Driving in Abidjan is an exercise in avoiding what can at times feel like certain death.  Cars coming out of nowhere, gridlock, daredevil taxi drivers, pedestrians crossing at random, traffic lights that don't work, and poor lighting at night all make driving conditions less than ideal here. Why anyone would do so in a right hand vehicle strikes me as both foolhardy and as having a complete disregard for other people on the road.  Again, I don't drive, so I don't know much about blind-spots, but I can say with absolute confidence that it is difficult to drive here and avoid killing, or at least hitting someone.  I am all for not getting on the road with the deck stacked against you.  Strip that bad boy for parts and buy a car in Abidjan.   

3 comments:

  1. How is the mail system? Do they have home delivery yet and is it safe to have someone send you a box from overseas?

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  2. I asked about the RHD cars because ill be coming from a country that drives on the left and yet allowed expats to bring in RHD cars its common in most countries to allow expats to use cars from their home country regardless of age of the car or LHD/RHD as long as the car is roadworthy , in terms of safety there is honestly no big difference the only time you find it tricky is when overtaking.

    Thanks for the info though...hahaha strip the bad boy for parts!!! you got jokes huh ....will send my baby home instead :-)

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