Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2010
Rickshaws
Rickshaws have a few positive attributes: they're better than walking and they make you look rich and important — sort of the 19th century Japanese or Indian equivalent of a Bentley. But there are plenty of downsides to traveling in what is essentially a handheld wooden chair. First of all, rickshaw seats don't look very padded, and we get tired when we sit in wooden chairs for too long. And what about back support? Also, have you ever been carried by a human? People are slow — much slower than animals — and their arms tire easily. Plus there's the ethically questionable decision to force someone to cart you around all the time.