Staying Awake while driving..

Words of wisdom again...this time as I understand from the taxi drivers of Kerala..God's own country...and they just cant be wrong..

We were driving down after a wonderful meal at Al Ain. As expected, all were feeling drowsy and even Peter's blaring hard rock collection couldn't prevent me from sleeping. Finally he just gave up, cut the volume and started shouting.. Ok, now that we were up and for the sake of our driver we started the small talk. The topic was obviously, ways of keeping awake while driving and it was then that this new funda was thrown at me...

Keep some whole black pepper with you...When you start to feel drowsy, pop in a few seeds and chew them... Yes!! it will burn your mouth but I swear you would be awake for the next 45 mins or so, salivating and most of your attention focused at your burning mouth :)

As my friend said, "Tried and tested sir... by who else but the taxi drivers of Kerala.. they have to do long distance trips all the time and nothing works better than this..."

If any of you is trying out the black pepper solution anytime soon, let me know..

As for the rest of the techniques that the wise council discussed, none were as interesting.. here are a few:
The Golden Rule, ensure that the one seating on the front seat doesnt sleep..it spreads..
Stop and have a strong cup of tea..
Nope.. Coffee works better than tea..
Wrong.. Nothing like a smoke..
Stop wash your face and then drive again..
Bite your tongue !!!!
Laugh on a joke...now if you passenger can remember one..
Keep shouting at your friends who are trying to doze off in the rear seat..
Shut down the A/C.. in this part of the world, I think this would surely work..

Don't hesitate to add you special advice :)