Morning Commute, Cambodia Style
As we drive to work each morning I am intrigued by the traffic patterns. Coming towards us is a sea of bicycles, motor bikes and ‘tuk tuks’. We ourselves are in a tuk tuk, the local transportation of choice. It is a covered, two wheeled cart drawn by a motor cycle. As we travel in convoy, one may pass another and it seems like chariot race.
As we watch vehicles approaching we see motor cycles some with families of four, even five,on a single vehicle, small children sandwiched between parents. One mother cradles a very small baby. My heart is in my throat as I see them round a corner. Bicycles carry every size of child, some in white shirts and navy pants or long navy skirts, proving with their uniforms that they are being educated. Later in the day there will be large trucks, some covered over every inch with goods for market. Oversize loads of hay drag close to the ground and pose a problem for passing.
Tuk Tuks on the Road to Bakong Technical College
However, in what might be seen as chaos, everyone proceeds at a reasonable speed with a courtesy rarely seen elsewhere. While all have free choice, it appears, to choose the side of the street which is convenient at the time, the traffic proceeds in a fairly orderly manner. This is one country in which I have never been afraid on the roads. It is relaxed enough that we can enjoy the lush scenery. I feel very privileged to be here.
Ah, yes – the tuk-tuk. I remember well a ride in one from a shopping mall in Bangkok to my hotel. The pollution was so bad, I was sure that I would succumb before arriving. It is good to read that things are advancing apace. Go well and be well.