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.
@zayedsakib