One of our kids' favorite things to do when visitors come is to take them for a ride on the skate. So I thought I would take you on a virtual skate ride. :)
When you arrive at the skate stop in town, this is what you will see. A skate is a small bamboo platform with simple benches on it that sits on the railroad tracks.
Then it has a little motor that allows it to putter along the railroad tracks. Don't worry, there aren't that many actual trains on these tracks. (Notice I didn't say NO trains, just not many :) )
All loaded up and ready to go. Don't you just love all the safety devices in place? Seatbelts, handrails, firmly anchored benches, brakes...o, wait, it doesn't have any of those. And while the skates do run at night, we prefer the day-time adventure since the only "headlights" these skates have is the cellphone flashlights that the passengers may have with them.
Off and running
Now, when you come up to a skate going the opposite direction on the tracks, the skate with the most people gets to stay. The one with the least number of people has to get off...
...move their skate off to the side of the tracks...
...watch the other skate pass by (and, if you are traveling with our kids, it is likely that you will have to hold one of them during this exchange since they always seem to forget their SHOES - notice Ben being held in the background)...
...then put your skate back on the tracks...
...so that you can be on your way again.
You will see many beautiful sites along the wayRice fields
Local grocery store
Lots of greenery and open spaces
And then, since your skate is not very loaded, you will catch up with another heavily-loaded skate. You see, you are are only doing this trip for fun; these people are taking the skate back and forth to work or school. The skates are one of the many unique forms of public transportation in our area.
You will also cross a couple bridges. This is where those afore-mentioned safety features come in so handy.
Don't look down!
Now wasn't that more fun than a boring taxi ride?
Local grocery store
Lots of greenery and open spaces
And then, since your skate is not very loaded, you will catch up with another heavily-loaded skate. You see, you are are only doing this trip for fun; these people are taking the skate back and forth to work or school. The skates are one of the many unique forms of public transportation in our area.
You will also cross a couple bridges. This is where those afore-mentioned safety features come in so handy.
Don't look down!
Now wasn't that more fun than a boring taxi ride?
1 comment:
Wow! That looks fun/dangerous...esp the bridges!! Its certianly an exciting "taxi" ride!
Post a Comment