Motor madness

Over my travelling years, I have developed a great interest in different modes of transportation. Save for a few vehicular variants, the Western world is mundanely cocooned in its world of radio cabs, buses and trains, with a stray commuter boat thrown in for good measure. For instance, I found the Eurostar a lot less interesting than the now-commercialised gondolas that glide across the Venetian waterways. They recently introduced the pedi-cab or the “velotaxi” in certain American and European tourist traps. In keeping with Western standards, some of these are equipped with hydraulic disc brakes and some even with solar-powered internet terminals that make you feel as though you have embarked on a secret space mission.

Travelling in Asia, however, is always an exotic experience. The colourful three-wheeled tuktuks or the sooty “Baht” boats of Klong Saen Saep are unavoidable forms of transportation in a country blessed with narrow and flooded streets. The cyclos of Hanoi similarly clink their way along small lanes. Moving around in the Philippines is made exciting by the jeepneys that transport anything from 10 to 20 stifled souls, most stuffed within, but some clinging on to the roof — all at the same time.

Given the unfair advantage of sleekness, a motorcy may one day become a more common sight in India, as in Cambodia or Thailand. Hard-pressed for time, this two-wheeler taxi is definitely worth the ride — even if you have to strap that dirty loaner helmet onto your head!