On Monday, I rode a motorcycle! I had my bag and laptop on shoulder and posters in one hand. My other hand was clutching the driver's shoulder. Motorcycles are a really popular mode of transport here because of the limited parking, ease of transport, and cost of cars. I couldn't imagine all of the bikes on the road being cars. It would take years to get anywhere and there would be nowhere to park.
For the most part, I take rickshaws since I am usually out with other volunteers who live near me. Yesterday, I was going to meet someone after work. A volunteer with a motorbike was going my way and offered to drive me. He couldn't believe I had never been on a motorcycle before. I explained that I don't exactly hang out with the motorcycle-driving crowd in the U.S. I wish I did. It was great. Motorcycles are a terrific way to feel and understand traffic patterns, which apparently do exist despite my first impression.
For the most part, I take rickshaws since I am usually out with other volunteers who live near me. Yesterday, I was going to meet someone after work. A volunteer with a motorbike was going my way and offered to drive me. He couldn't believe I had never been on a motorcycle before. I explained that I don't exactly hang out with the motorcycle-driving crowd in the U.S. I wish I did. It was great. Motorcycles are a terrific way to feel and understand traffic patterns, which apparently do exist despite my first impression.
Later that evening, I negotiated the price of a rickshaw. After shopping, I had trouble finding a richshawalla who would go to my neighborhood for a reasonable price. It was early enough, so "meter price" should have been an option. After turning down some greatly inflated prices, I finally found someone who would take me. It wasn't meter price, but after he lowered his initial offer, the cost was pretty much what meter price would have been. I was pleased to know enough about the city to know good prices and to negotiate my way to a fair price.
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