6 Cars, 3 Lanes

I had forgotten how crazy the drivers are here! It was so much fun watching several cars jostling for a position on the 3 available lanes this morning. And I am once again getting used to crossing the roads St Petersburg style. There is only one rule...Show no fear. If you hesitate you are done for. Once you have seen the chance to cross, go for it. Of course this is a challenge to any self respecting motorist who will then try to kill you but you must not hesitate. That would be fatal. At best you would get very dirty from rolling on the bonnet of a car that has never been washed, at worst you would be dead! This brings me to s sub-clause of the only rule. Don't challenge drivers by making eye contact. I know, my reaction is usually to give them a 'de Nero' look. You know the one where he points to his own eyes with the index and forefingers and then points them at his victim?! Under no circumstances do this in Peter! The option of getting away dirty is then removed!
Showing no fear while acting completely nonchalently is the pinacle to which I aspire! I am in awe of the locals, usually older people under 5 foot in height, who step out without a care in the world. Sheer genius!
The 'no eye contact' rule is also recommended on the metro. I am slowly getting used to this form of torture. This morning I was practically rugby tackled to the floor at the kiosk. When I turned round to see who had so urgently needed to get in front of me it was a little old lady pointedly not making eye contact!
The pink tutus were out in force again last night. I thought it was going to be quiet so I went to bed only to be woken five minutes later by a fireworks display outside my window! There was nothing else to do but to watch it and then put up with the noise as hyped up little sproglets came running and screaming back along the corridor. My only hope was that the fireworks meant that they would be leaving today. Thankfully that appears to be the case as they were all pink and giggly outside the hotel when I left for the morning's traffic and metro entertainment.