Pakistan transport part V - auto rickshaw/tuktuk/qingqi
these little three wheeled vehicles are found everywhere I went on the sub-continent - except Islamabad - they were banned. They are taxis, school buses, cargo vehicles and more
They are essentially a motor scooter converted into this little three wheeled vehicle
I travelled in them a number of times, usually when I was with one of my local staff members. We'd often choose one that had little doors to prevent being stared at.
I think the constant staring, ogling and gawping that I was subject to sometimes is actually a national pastime. It was one of those cultural differences which sometimes went from minor irritant to major annoyance. But sometimes it was entertaining - in one remote area we stopped at a market and when I got out of the car everything stopped, cars, people walking, people selling and all turned to stare at me in astonishment. I don't think they could have been more surprised if a spaceship had landed in the middle of the street. A shopkeeper called out to my staff member and invited me to sit inside his shop to avoid the stares, I was touched by his thoughtfulness.
@bobfoto no, not my house, this was in Lahore. We had visited the owner for work. The security guard seated outside was very excited to have an Australian woman visit "his" house, my staff member told me he called up and down the street to his guard mates.
Similarly another person i had to visit for work, when we had finished the interview asked me if his mother could see me, I thought she wanted ask me about Australia and I consented. She came in the room looked me up and down for a minute or so and left again. Apparently she just wanted to "see" me.
Well we'd try not to stare at that little buggy if it drove through our village! We were always told not to stare, so I can imagine it must have been uncomfortable for you, like you say, a cultural difference you really notice.
Hi Megan...........Love this..............It's another of your one-of-a-kind photos. I'm so pleased you include a little narrative; they are quite special. I'm behind on my viewing, sorry, but wanted to say "hey."
How are you doing as a non-smoker?? ("You're a braver man than I Gunga Din". :-D) Always my best, Les x
@glimpses lovely to hear from you, I have neither succeeded nor failed in my efforts to quit, I haven't stopped ....yet, but have cut back and working on it
Cutting back is a GREAT start. Anyway....are you tall and blonde...is that why so many stares. Or just white and female? (well, I know you're female already...I just mean is that the only 2 requirements that might induce staring).
We could do with a few more of these on Brisbane streets, cut down the traffic congestion a bit.
@jgoldrup She's average height, very long strawberry blonde hair, fair skin, blouse full of goodies. Would have stood out here like a traffic light in a canola field.
Similarly another person i had to visit for work, when we had finished the interview asked me if his mother could see me, I thought she wanted ask me about Australia and I consented. She came in the room looked me up and down for a minute or so and left again. Apparently she just wanted to "see" me.
How are you doing as a non-smoker?? ("You're a braver man than I Gunga Din". :-D) Always my best, Les x
@jgoldrup She's average height, very long strawberry blonde hair, fair skin, blouse full of goodies. Would have stood out here like a traffic light in a canola field.