Weird rides

I have often mentioned the varied and bizarre modes of transport one finds in Madagascar - from the antique Citroën 2CVs and Renault 4s, to the ox carts, to the bicycles with more passengers than what they were designed for, and to the modern luxury vehicles. Here are just a couple of pics I snapped while out on the road - either on my motorbike, my bicycle or while driving a car (therefore not great pics). And I've seen many more bizarre things that I haven't had the time to photograph. All of these photos, bar the one of the two ladies in the rice paddies, were taken on the main road to the airport here in Tana. Yes, the main road. This incongruous mix of wheels invariably causes unamusing snarl-ups. The Malagasies have a saying, "slowly, slowly." You can see why..

A half-Century flashback to France - two Citroën 2CVs ...

Need wheels? No problem. (The photo would have been perfect if the car had someone behind the wheel too...)

Zebu cart with its old, experienced driver.

It's the end of the month and time to move house. This cart would cost one between $1 and $2.50 to hire with the "driver".

A similar cart, with similar prices, except that it doesn't take as much (no matter how hard one tries.)

Three siblings on their way home from school (and yes, this one too is on the main road to the airport.)

Motorbike breaks down? Just strap it to a taxi's roof. Who cares about the taxi's brakes, shocks and suspension?!?

Transporting geese. The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals would not approve.

No transport? Our heads will do just fine.