A few things I've noticed about car travel in South Africa

A few things I've noticed about car travel in South Africa, originally uploaded by nataliej.

The little differences:

1. Most cars are white or silver - something to do with the heat. Makes are mainly Toyota, Mercedes, Audi, Hyundai.

2. People use pick up trucks as people carriers. There were 10 in the one we were following today. They also like to stand up in the back as they whizz along the motorways.

3. Speaking of motoways, they don't have crash barriers in the middle, instead they have flower bushes. Pretty, but not exactly known for their car stopping power.

4. Garbage trucks make u-turns on the motoway, like the one we saw today pulling out in front of us.

5. Roadworks are random and appear without warning. Temporary traffic lights are two guys, each with a red flag. You go when the guy starts waving you through. The flag means nothing.

6. Gas stations are full-serve (you don't have to leave your car) and petrol is very cheap - 50p/litre.

7. Parking is cheap (see picture), but you're supposed to tip the parking attendant when you return.

8. When being overtaken, it's courtesy to pull aside onto the hard shoulder.

9. Production of classic cars hasn't stopped (you can buy a brand new Mark I Golf).

10. The Corsa comes in a saloon style. Who knew!

11. Almost all the cars are shiny...

12. ...with the exception of the ones that are being held together with tape with wonky wheels and a crowbar to steer them.