The XtraSuitcase

 

Hanoi – Vietnam

 

 

There are over 6 million people living in Hanoi and 4.5 million motor bikes.  Everyone has one.

 

As soon as you step into the streets – the motor scooters start honking at you.  We have never seen so many scooters in our lives.  It is like a stream of water running through the city.  It is very difficult to cross the road in the old quarter. 

 

We learned that you just step into the road and cross – do not run, do not turn back….just keep going and they work around you.   Seriously – this is how we crossed the road.  And fascinatingly enough – it works.

 

 

They are used as the family car –

 

for three

 

 

for four

 

 

even 5 – yep count them – 5 on the one scooter!

 

 

 

and very little regard for safety!  Helmets are required for adults only.  And not all of them follow this rule.

 

 

 

 

grandma even gets a ride – while using her cell phone

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

They are used as trucks

 

 

 

for carrying ducks…

 

 soda delivery

 

 

nursery delivery

 

 

 and everything else!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friends sharing a ride

 

 

 

 

and for taking a nap – look closely, there is a hammock in the back of this one.

 

 

 

 

Not a scooter – but impressive they were able to cross the street with this load.

 

 

and a moving van – scooter!