Thursday, January 03, 2013

Progress or regression?


Today on Facebook I had a small discussion with Julie from Sydney eye in Australia, about these new "Rick Shaws" popping up in many big cities now. Paris makes no exception of course. To me it's odd , as before they would only be found in developing countries, where people could not afford cars. Now, they are back in fashion because it's a touristy attraction and it's also a not polluting way of moving around. I'm still not sure about the idea of using a man like a horse... I like the photo though, even though I think I did a poor job with the framing!

11 comments:

  1. Taxis hate 'em, for clogging up the streets at a snail's pace and taking their business!

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  2. Bugger taxis!

    We have these (also) in Sydney, Eric. But not real rickshaws which have lusty young men straining between two shafts!

    I like the concept of 'action' which you have captured, yet with your subject perfectly in focus. Not bad ... not bad ...

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  3. If the guy is willing to pedal for euros, I guess he'll be in good physical condition even if he isn't getting rich.

    Michael could do this as a part time job for a little extra cash. It would be good experience to inform his consulting work!

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  4. Now for something completely different, though one might ask if it is indeed a question of 'progress or regression': please please somebody go to the Musee de Montmartre and see the Chat Noir exhibit and tell me about it. Here is the link: http://www.museedemontmartre.fr/uk/adultes.html

    Merci!

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  5. And the Dali exhibit at the Pompidou!

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  6. It seems to be a trend, Eric. More and more toys for tourists but if it gives someone a living, why not? I can imagine the regular taxis hate them tho. In Monaco,we have not only the Tuk Tuk you saw yesterday, but you can rent a Ferrari for an hour (actually that may have stopped due to complaints from the locals about the noise!) you can rent tiny Smart car-type vehicles, bikes of course. Also bikes with motors. You can also rent water transport, with or without a driver, including the 1 euro ferry ride across the harbour of Monaco. Best value in Monaco that!

    I like the photo! Gives a beautiful sense of movement.

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  7. You're probably less than thrilled with the framing of this picture because you were hoping for a shot with no other vehicles in it. Oh well—I think it's great all the same. And I would never ride in one of these. Prefer my own two feet, which carry me for free!

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  8. OK Jeff I'll go to the musée de Montmartre for you ;-)

    @Julie "I like the concept of 'action' which you have captured, yet with your subject perfectly in focus. Not bad ... not bad ..." Yes but the lower part of the photo could have shown more of the rickshaw.

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  9. There are a few in Stockholm. I have met and photographed one of the guys there, he was very optimistic about the future of his business idea.

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  10. We had 2 in our small town of less than 10K for several summers (young men started the business in college) and it was quite popular as our town is built into a hill. The young men pedaling said it was an amazing workout every day and they really enjoyed it. The only cost was the bike itself, so they worked hard and it helped pay for college. They are really fun if you want to slow down and really see everything!

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  11. We have these awful things clogging the streets (and sidewalks!!) all over Manhattan now. The drivers are reckless and pay no heed to traffic rules and you take your life in your hands if you ride with them. When they aren't pedaling they clog the lanes of traffic just sitting there making the traffic go around them. The worst is when you get one of these at the head of a line of cars and busses, all the vehicles have to move at the pedaler's pace so one guy slows down dozens of people from getting where they are going. They also price gouge here in Manhattan, shaking down passengers for extra money at the END of the ride -- one couple from Texas ended up paying over $400 dollars to ride a short way! I'll stick to Paris' wonderful Velib system and genial cab drivers, thanks!

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