Crossing the streets of Ha Noi can be a frightful experience for a first timer in Viet Nam.
The wall of motorcycles and bicycles that swamped the roads would certain deter anyone from making an attempt to get to the other side of the road (Even the chicken gave up !!!). With so many motorcycles, where do they park ? Along the streets but in very organised fashion. To maximize space, its first come, first serve to join those that are already parked there. When its time to get it out, someone round the corner will pop out to assist in the removal process for a small fee. (Parking is free !!!)
For those who are selling small items along the small lanes and narrow paths, two baskets over the shoulders on a long pole is a practical solution for easy manoeuves. Like the motocycles who will give way to the those crossing the streets, pedestrians too make way for those carrying the baskets. (Not very nice to be caught within the swinging circle of the long pole !!)
For those with heavier loads and wanting to cover longer distance, mobile goods on wheels is a good solution. Though joint/collective efforts, a mobile fruit store could easily be set up, when the various fruit bicycles (each with different fruits) meet.
At lunch break, the 2-wheel vehicle also becomes the resting place. Parked under some shades, out comes the newspaper, up goes the legs and r-e-l-a-x. Probably for massaging effect, the engine could be started.
With bicycle as a primary mode of transportation, bicycle repair shops for emergency tyre repairs are found in many street corners. Some must have been in this trade for a long time. Just armed with a basin of water, some rubber patches with glue, a portable hand pump and an extra chair/stool, they are ready for business.
The wall of motorcycles and bicycles that swamped the roads would certain deter anyone from making an attempt to get to the other side of the road (Even the chicken gave up !!!). With so many motorcycles, where do they park ? Along the streets but in very organised fashion. To maximize space, its first come, first serve to join those that are already parked there. When its time to get it out, someone round the corner will pop out to assist in the removal process for a small fee. (Parking is free !!!) 
For those who are selling small items along the small lanes and narrow paths, two baskets over the shoulders on a long pole is a practical solution for easy manoeuves. Like the motocycles who will give way to the those crossing the streets, pedestrians too make way for those carrying the baskets. (Not very nice to be caught within the swinging circle of the long pole !!)
For those with heavier loads and wanting to cover longer distance, mobile goods on wheels is a good solution. Though joint/collective efforts, a mobile fruit store could easily be set up, when the various fruit bicycles (each with different fruits) meet. 
At lunch break, the 2-wheel vehicle also becomes the resting place. Parked under some shades, out comes the newspaper, up goes the legs and r-e-l-a-x. Probably for massaging effect, the engine could be started. 
With bicycle as a primary mode of transportation, bicycle repair shops for emergency tyre repairs are found in many street corners. Some must have been in this trade for a long time. Just armed with a basin of water, some rubber patches with glue, a portable hand pump and an extra chair/stool, they are ready for business.
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