I suppose I am fascinated with everyday life, and in particular with transportation. I have another 'taxi' experience. This time it involves sitting in gridlock for 15 minutes, until the adventure begins. The driver decides enough sitting, managers to move over to turn into a gas station. He then finds an alley on the back side that is wide enought for 1 small car, and a motorcycle to squeeze by on either side. He takes off down this alley with people walking in the road, and motorcycles (ever present) shooting by on either side. There are 8-10 foot walls on either side, so I can't really see well, and the alley will suddenly veer left or right without warning. After 10 minutes of winding through this way, going significantly away from my hotel direction, we arrive from the opposite direction at my hotel. I have spent 45 minutes in the taxi - and it costs me 3 dollars.
One of the first things I learned was that pedestrians never have the right of way, so crossing a street requires the courage to face down cars & motorcycles who will consider your right to cross the road only after you have put yourself out in front of them. Here's some video of the amount of motorcycles and cars. Notice the motorcylces going by our car - they are driving right down the middle of a 2 way street inbetween lanes. In the 2nd video notice the 2 ladies riding side saddle on the back of the motorcycles - complete with skirts and high heels. They have very little to hang onto. What you can't see is that when traffic stops the motorcycles just wind their way inbetween the cars, and knees & feet are all vulnerable!
By my 3rd day there, I have noticed a basketball court flanked by a volleyball and another net court. This other net is about 5&1/2 feet high, and appears about the same size as a badminton court (small). But the players play with a hard straw type ball that is about the size of an oversized softball, but is completely hollow. It doesn't bounce and is very light. Players can only touch the ball with their feet or their head. They do jumping whip kicks to serve the ball at high speeds, and are amazing in their dexterity and athleticism.
But my eyes are on the basketball court. It's about 7:30pm and I amble over with my camera. I've only got my Keen Sandles on, and it is about 90 degrees and very humid. Before long, I'm asked to join in a half court game. Everyone is extremely amiable, and there is a level of politeness not found in American pickup games. When ever a shot is made (by anyone!) there are smiles and backpatting. Several women play (who are both good players), and some of the best players play in flip-flops. Because of the high humidity, within a few minutes, my shirt is soaked with sweat. One of the senior members speaks good English, and he tells me that they play most nights of the week. Later in my stay I join them a second time. It was a great time with hoopster community - the best of sports mixed with wonderful hospitality.
I'm standing in the back here:
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