A motorcycle taxi for two!
I have been down this road before, but a friend has just come back from Africa and the thing that she found most difficult to adjust to was being taken on the back of a motorcycle every time she had to get somewhere.
We go about our daily business in such comfort and security that we never spare a thought for travel options in other countries. Here in Spain, a taxi ride usually means in a saloon car with seat belts. In my own country they use mainly seven-seater cars that are kept immaculate as a matter of pride for the driver who also is dressed for the part. In New York we have heard some horror stories about the yellow cabs that are sometimes driven by people who have no idea of how to get to where you want to go. It is also in New York where you can choose to call for a Town Car service, and you will find that this is the extreme opposite to a possible yellow cab ride.
The developing world is another story. If you're lucky, getting there by a tuck tuck could be a luxury way to go, but in so many other countries the only option is to go by motorcycle. In my country you can actually hire a moped, but for some Americans it proves too much to adapt to riding on the left side of the road. There have been some deaths because this type of mistake is unforgiving, although most people do get it right.
My own experience of riding pillion passenger in Africa was unnerving because I could not afford a stay in hospital due to a crash. Most of the guys do ride carefully, but the one time one of them did go down he was at least moving at a slow pace and I was able to hop off and I even helped him. It was perhaps because I have been a motorcycle rider all my life, but sometimes things happen due to slippery wet conditions or patches of sand that are difficult to avoid.
What drove me crazy was to see bikes with two adults and three children, with shopping. I would cringe thinking of that accident just waiting to happen, and of course, the children would pay the highest price.
Having said that, since time began my fellow countrymen have carted all manner of things on their bikes, including the family Christmas tree. I guess it's about making do with what you have, but as a tourist I do sympathise with the young lady. A taxi to us means at least something that has four sides.
Room for one more!
Copyright (c) 2013 Eugene Carmichael
