Transportation: A Review

                 Auto rickshaw

Used mostly for short distances.  Found in both the black/yellow and green/yellow variety.  Legally seats three adults.  Open air.  Fun level: 9

Bicycle rickshaw

Used only in some Indian cities.  Usually blue with grandma fabric awning.  Tight squeeze for two adults with bones.  Open air.  Seats slant forward.  Fun level: 8

                  Local Train

For travel within a city.  Cars include, but are not limited to: first class, second class, first class ladies, second class ladies, handicapped, and baggage cars.  Best time to travel: early morning or 2-3pm.  Rush hour is a beast.  “I won’t mind your armpit in my face, if you don’t mind my armpit in your face.”  Fast trains don’t travel at a higher speed, they only stop at major stations.  Slow trains stop at every station.  Fun level: 5-7, depending on crowd intensity

      Metro

Only found in one city.  Soon to come in others.  Rides above the city with beautiful view.  No food or drink allowed.  Super clean.  Super European.  Super smooth and fast.  Fun level: 8

 
            Sleeper Train

For travel between cities.  Bumpy.  Train food: average but definitely edible.  Seats turn into 2 or 3 tier bunk beds.  Deep sleep won’t be found here, but the time is still restful.  It is like being in a really long cradle with a hundred other babies being rocked back and forth. It is also a good place to meet new people.  Fun level: 7…8, if you use the Indian style toilet on the train

      Tonga

In Nepal, the equivalent of a horse drawn rickshaw.  Bumpy and prone to swerving.  Awning limits view to road if facing backward.  Seat slant.   If you fall asleep, you may fall out.   Fun Level: 5

      Bus

Both for local and long distance travel.  Varies from smooth to incredibly bouncy .  Passengers vary from humans to goats.  Air flow varies from AC to open air.  Beware dust and pollution.  Fun Level: 6

Walking

Not for the faint of heart.  Look left first before crossing.  Hand extended from hip means, “Hey, I’m walking here.”  Sometimes walking in the street is safer than walking on the sidewalk.  Open air.  Best way to meet people.  Fun Level: 8

            Elephant

Most recently discovered form of transport.  Forget the notion of comfort.  Beware branches.  Water to land vehicle.  Open air.  Best view of jungle.  Fun Level: 9