Sign-spiration

Watch out! Moving plants!

If I were waiting for a sign to return to blogging, this was it.

I was driving south on the E-10 in light traffic, which those of us who live in the UAE know is a rarity. I pass this crazy sign every trip home from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, but I am always driving too fast or in too much traffic to take its picture.

Today, I was the only one on the road, so I pulled over. Back home, no one ever pulls over on an interstate unless they have a true emergency, a blow out or breakdown. Here, people do it as a matter of course; i.e. the phone rings or they pull over to engage in a casual roadside conversation with cars whipping at breakneck speed around them.

Though it’s indeed standard practice here, I try not to do it. It’s one of those things that you don’t so because it’s either wrong or dangerous, like talking in a movie theatre, butting in line or tailgating.

Beware, be very aware of things that go bump in the road.

This sign reduces me to a sidesplitting laughter every time I see it. I grab my camera or demand that some non-driving person in my vehicle do so, and we aim and try to focus in, as I drive by it way too fast past it every time, because A) you have to speed to avoid dying on these roads and B) I am speeder, and I am powerless over my leaden foot. Just ask my husband and the guy we rent our car from.

Seriously, ask anyone who has taken this trip with me. I don’t really know why I like it so much. There are lots of examples of poorly written English, or Jinglish as some refer to it, signs in this land–far too many for one post. Many are quite funny, but this one is superior.

I am not sure why it is so funny to me? I imagine someone jumping out from behind a palm tree and saying “boo” or something really stupid, rather than the probably very real hazard it forewarns, such as a car stopped in the middle of the highway taking a phone call or someone reversing when they miss their turn or, better yet, a camel crossing the road. Yes, I have seen all three. 

What do you think constitutes a “road surprise”?

Here are some others that might make you laugh–if you have the sense of humor of a 10 year old. If you don’t, move on. Nothing funny here. I suspect there will be a part two post as I risk life and limb in the service of bringing these roadside pics to you. I also welcome contributions, so please send me your funny signs from all over. 

#DrivingintheUAE #LifeintheUAE #Roadhazards #Dubai #AbuDhabi #DrivingintheMiddleEast #FunnySigns