City driving can be a real bitch. Let’s explore driving on each side of the country.
Boston
Driving in Boston is a unique experience that can be both exhilarating and frustrating at the same time. If you’re planning on hitting the roads of Bean Town, here are a few things you should know to help you survive the wild world of Boston driving.
Forget about using your GPS.
Boston’s roads were built before the invention of the automobile, so don’t be surprised if your GPS tells you to make a right turn down a one-way street or to drive straight into the Charles River. It’s best to invest in a good map, or better yet, find a local who knows the area. Just be prepared for them to give you directions like “take a left at the Dunkin’ Donuts, go past the Fenway Park, and make a right at the fire hydrant.”
Lane lines are merely suggestions.
Boston drivers have a unique interpretation of the concept of “lanes.” For them, the lines on the road are merely suggestions, and they feel perfectly comfortable switching lanes without using their turn signals. So, be prepared for sudden lane changes, and always keep your eyes on the road.
Honking is a form of communication.
In Boston, honking is not just a way to express frustration. It’s a form of communication, a way to say “hello,” “watch out,” and “move it, buddy.” So, if someone honks at you, don’t take it personally. They’re just trying to tell you something.
“Boston lefts” are a thing.
If you’re not familiar with the term “Boston left,” it’s when a driver makes a left turn from the right lane. It’s a popular technique used by Boston drivers to beat the traffic and get where they’re going faster. Just be prepared for it, or you might find yourself in the wrong lane.
Parking is an Olympic sport.
Finding a parking spot in Boston can be a challenge, to say the least. Drivers will park on the sidewalk, in the middle of the street, and even on top of fire hydrants. So, be prepared to parallel park like a pro and get ready to maneuver your car into some tight spaces.
Driving in Boston can be an adventure, but with a little patience and a good sense of humor, you’ll make it through. Just remember, the key to surviving Boston driving is to never take it too seriously and always have a backup plan, like taking the T, walking, or maybe just staying at home.
San Francisco
Now, Imagine yourself behind the wheel of a car in the bustling city of San Francisco. You’re ready to tackle the roads, or so you think. But before you can even start your engine, you’re hit with a realization – driving in San Francisco is not for the faint of heart.
The hills.
They’re steep, twisting, and seemingly never-ending. You’ll find yourself clutching onto the steering wheel with white knuckles, hoping that your brakes don’t give out as you attempt to climb one of these monstrous inclines. And when you finally reach the top, the view is breathtaking. That is, until you have to navigate the hairpin turn to get back down.
The traffic.
It’s bumper to bumper, stop and go, and always in a hurry. You’ll find yourself surrounded by a sea of cars, and just when you think you’ve got a handle on things, someone will suddenly cut you off. But don’t worry, they’ll be sure to give you a friendly honk to let you know they’re there.
The trolley cars.
They’re slow, they’re loud, and they have a tendency to jump the tracks. But don’t worry, they won’t actually run you over. Instead, they’ll just block the entire road and hold up traffic for miles.
The real highlight: Parking.
Good luck finding a spot. You’ll circle the block multiple times, hoping for a miracle, and when you finally do find a spot, it’ll be so small that you’ll have to do a few test drives to make sure your car will actually fit.
So, to summarize, driving in either Boston or San Francisco is a wild ride. Each has it’s unique downsides, but both are champions of bad traffic and elusive parking spots. So buckle up, take a deep breath, and get your patience ready for the ride of it’s life.