Barring the scorching heat, Rickshaw rides are probably one of the most peaceful rides one can have within Dhaka. It is difficult to explain why and given all the elements of bumpy roads, the chaotic noise of the traffic and the relentless cussing of the drivers at each other - this should have ideally been the least peaceful ride one can have. And yet as I was pondering whether to take a bike to my destination this afternoon, I wanted a rather peaceful ride and without much second thought took a rickshaw.
For those of you who don't know, Rickshaws are basically like a cycle, but a three wheeler with a passenger seat.
One aspect of a rickshaw I particularly enjoy is it's generally slower pace than most other forms of transport. And the entire ride being under the open sky means I can take my time and look around the city. There isn't really a lot to see in the busiest parts of Dhaka, I'll give you that. But it's not really the scenery or nature I am interested in. I find it quite enlightening to watch the street vendors for example go about their day to day lives. There is sometimes quite a lesson to be learned if we keen to keep and open eye. I mean no one takes a nap on the rickshaw; no, that's not what I mean! I have seen kids running from door to door of cars and taxis trying to sell flowers, fruits, newspapers...anything they can to put food for their families. I have also seen completely able young to middle aged men and women simply resort to begging. What is the most important lesson I have learned from this "keen" observation? Many will say to learn from the kids that we should always strive to work hard from the best of our abilities. Some will say to learn from the able younger men and women who beg to not give in to begging and try and work something out.
But the most important lesson I have learned is the ability to apply restraint on our mind and not be prejudiced. The wheels of life will take us many places, and we will see and meet many different kinds of people. Kindness, even in the form of just restraining oneself from saying something unkind goes a long way.
Most of the time I go home from varsity when it's school dismissal time, So I meet a few of these little cuties on the way when sitting in traffic in a rickshaw.
At first, when she saw me she gave me a little wave (I don't know why), and then I wave her back. A few seconds later she was offering me a flower. Just look at her tiny hand.
Sitting in a rickshaw in traffic makes me terribly bored, but this little baby made my boredom fly away.
It's these little things that can make one's day, especially after a trying day. I usually avoid making contact with anyone when I'm taking a ride. There will often be those "uncles" on the rickshaw next to you who'll want to discuss national politics or your job history while we wait in the traffic. I will actively shut these out.
But when a kid offers you a flower, you take it! No questions asked 😄
In Dhaka, usually, I have two moods. If I am in Puran Dhaka then there are no alternatives to rickshaws but in Mirpur, I am fine with CNG and busse.
As you mentioned the slower pace of rickshaws, so it's always preferable when the distance is within reach and I am not in a hurry. Rickshaws are like, "Take your time and enjoy the ride."
I get what you mean Minhaj. But for me I will enjoy the rickshaw ride even more when I am around in the more posh areas of Dhaka to slow the ride down and enjoy the clean roads and a more organized setup - especially because I see the mess of old dhaka on a daily basis 😂
Rickshaws are a comfort in this pollution filled city, especially on winter mornings when the place just starts waking up. There is something about fog and cold that goes hand in hand with the slow languid place a rickshaw moves. I can never get enough of it.
Foggy winter mornings, rickshaw ride and maybe a shawl wrapped around or a sweater and muffler....has a very poetic feel doesn’t it!
What a beautiful takeaway... and the last comment about being kind.
it's simple - and it's completely lost on so many.
I love this post. and i love that it all was inspirted by a ride on a rickshaw :)
It's quite disheartening that this has become a reality isn't it. We have made life quite complicated unnecessarily, overthinking things when just letting things slide is the far superior option. I'm not saying we should let "everything" slide, I mean we do need to stand up for ourselves - but you get the point!
yes i do. and i agree wholeheartedly.
think before we speak.
choose kindness and joy and peace, if at all possible.
and keep your nose in your own yard before telling others how to fix theirs! hahahahahaha
should we start a movement? LOL
nah. it's been done before and people still ignore LOL
let's just continue doing our part. hehehe at least we can be a beacon of welcome for those who want something new, i think!
I think by now everyone in the world knows what a rickshaw is lol. Their are rickshaws even in newyork. Students pull it as a part time job, and earn double that the average of an uber driver lol. One way great way to stay in shape without going to gym, and earn 10x more than a 7th scale job here:P
What 😯
Shonar Bangladesh 😂