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Never in my life I woke up as late as at 8 AM on so many continuous days, never in life I boozed so much (yeah, taking a sip or two of variety of alcohols is called boozing in my language) and never drank so much of salted water (that’s sea water, silly !).
Ok ok, so I had been to Goa. A nine days sojourn from my hectic schedule, which I so badly deserved. I could have very easily spent another eight-nine days had not other duties yelled for my urgent attention.
It was my first visit to the place but definitely not the last. I need to go there quite frequently to know more & more about it. Nice excuse, eh ? 
Till my visit there, I knew of Goa as a place of beautiful beaches, churches, Goan food & music and some carnivals. Today, I’ll tell you something unique about this beautiful city of India which I was not aware of.
To experience a new place, I generally make it a point to travel at least once in the local mode of transport. So that day was a ‘bus day’.
After a tired day when I was getting down from the state run bus at Margao bus stop, I was suddenly overwhelmed to hear 5-6 male voices calling out “Welcome sister, welcome sister”.
Ahaa ! Quelle joie !! What luck ! So many brothers in an unknown city !! They were all on motorcycles. I was beaming with joy errr.. confusion. Can you imagine the look on my face, about to call out “Bhaiyya” ??
Before I could happily hug them like a long lost sister in a mela (fair), the lady who had gotten down after me said something to one of those and sat behind him. The motorcycle went zoooom. Oh so she was THE sister, not me. Sighhhh..
But I was pulled back to senses by telling me that they were “pilots”.
Pilots on motorcycles ???
Yup, they are called pilots and they are actually taxi drivers.
I almost fell down with bemused excitement.
Silly girl, they are “motorcycle taxi” drivers and are called pilots.
Ohhhh, I see !!
Yes, an interesting mode of conveyance in Goa is the motorcycle taxi. These “taxis” carry only one passenger and the lone passenger can carry only a backpack or a small bag as luggage.
Motorcycle taxis are a licensed form of transport in Goa and they are much cheaper than other normal taxis. These motorcycle taxis can normally be identified by their yellow-and-black coloured paint and they have proper taxi stands as well. The fare are supposed to be fixed in advance, the rides are not metered.
As far as I know the other cities where one can see motorcycle taxis are London and Bangkok.
So, how many of you knew that Goa is the only city/state in India where motorcycle taxis are available ??
Note:- If I am in mood, I’ll write here only little stories about my recent Goa trip. The major chunk will go to my travel blog.
And I am listening to a lovely lively French song. What else ? .. d d d danse dans… 
Current Song:- Je Danse dans ma tête – Celine Dion
Technorati Tags: Goa Motorcycle
46 responses so far ↓
1 Craver-Vii // May 1, 2008 at 1:22 am
They use motorcycles for taxis in the Philippines, too. I was there in the summer of 2005. These guys crack me up. They attach a sidecar to a small engined motorcycle, and then carry as many people as are willing to hang on. I went on a trip where we sat three (driver plus two) on the bike and two passengers in the sidecar, plus our bags. They would never allow such a thing here in the United States.
Goa sounds like a fun place to visit. Keep the stories coming.
2 Maverick // May 1, 2008 at 1:52 am
I think I’ve read about this somewhere. but I didnt knew they existed in London and Bangkok too. esp. i couldn’t imagine London having them. Goa sure sounds like fun, and I thought u mumbaikars escaped there every other weekend :). I have already planned my Goa trip on my next visit to India
3 Vands // May 1, 2008 at 9:35 am
i dont remember seeing anything like this when i was there…. this sure sounds fun
special lol @ pilots
4 Keshi // May 1, 2008 at 1:06 pm
Strange
Anyways Cuckoo come and read my reply to u in my blog and please ans teh qns I hv asked u. tnxx!
Keshi.
5 Mutiny.in » Welcome Sister // May 1, 2008 at 2:21 pm
[…] [CROSSPOSTED] […]
6 Celine // May 1, 2008 at 3:39 pm
Cuckoo,
I am aware of the motorcycle taxis in Goa.
I have had quite a few such rides in Phnom-Penh, Cambodia (in Jan 2007), sometimes on my own, other times being sandwiched between the motorcycle owner and my sister-in-law.
7 Alok Meshram // May 1, 2008 at 6:26 pm
Whoa,
I’ve never heard anything about a motorcycle taxi before. Definitely interesting.
I’m waiting for the day I visit Goa.
8 Iceman // May 1, 2008 at 10:06 pm
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
Love it…
I did my BTech at a place called Hubli, very near 2 Goa… so goa was our vacation/holiday sot by default…
9 Sachin // May 2, 2008 at 8:46 am
This is cool ………….
Hello Sister……….
10 Shrinky // May 2, 2008 at 10:10 pm
Oh cuckoo, you get to see the lovliest of places, I feel quite envious of you. Goa is high on my list of places to visit, not least for the food alone (although the beaches are the definite icing on top).
Yes, we do have motorcycle taxi’s in London (so I hear) but have never actually seen one. Welcome home sweet lady, we have missed you.
11 Mads // May 2, 2008 at 10:31 pm
How chweet….i so wanna go to GOA… and sit on a motorcycle taxi and experience the being a sister of so many bhaiyas
great u enjoyed so much…
Take care and love
12 Alok // May 3, 2008 at 10:34 am
I heard about such taxies in India for the first time. Now after hearing so much from you about GOA … Good so much so to explore and I am excited about my GOA trip, stilling waiting on it …
Keep rocking
13 Cuckoo // May 3, 2008 at 11:23 am
Craver,
Sorry for replying late.
Ahaaa here comes another city !! Asians are way too amusing, Aren’t they ?
In India too, it is a common sight to see a sidecar attached with a scooter but not a motorcycle and not for taxiing. They are generally used by small families. Wife sitting behind and kids enjoying the sidecar.
Wow !! I have started envying them.
Maverick,
In London they generally have these near the airports. And Bangkok is full of them !!
Am I a Mumbaikar ?? *coughing*
Yeah now your motto should be Go Goa.
14 Cuckoo // May 3, 2008 at 11:27 am
Vandita,
i dont remember seeing anything like this when i was there…. Time for another visit ??
Keshi,
What is strange ?? The pilots, the taxi or something else ?
I’ll sure do that .
15 Cuckoo // May 3, 2008 at 11:37 am
Celine,
Oh I expected this from you. You have not left any place to visit, eh ?
And here comes another city in Cambodia. Maybe I’ll compile this post after knowing all the places of motorcycle taxis.
Alok,
Hee hee… yeah, as I said, I was about to fall down from surprise.
And when I went near taxi stand to click that picture, 10-12 voices welcomed me, “Sister, where do you want to go ?” as if there was some competition for earning a sister !
Hmmmm.. I am thinking of going there on Rakhi day.
16 Cuckoo // May 3, 2008 at 11:40 am
Iceman,
Oh I see. So, Goa is out of question for your honeymoon ?
Sachin,
Oh very cooool.
Hello brother…
I welcome you on my blog, keep coming.
17 Cuckoo // May 3, 2008 at 11:51 am
Shrinky,
Thank you, thank you.
Goa is definitely a place to go. I just wish the tourism department of Goa reads these posts of mine and compliment me with a paid holiday there for so much free campaigning.
Mads,
Hee Hee… so when are you going then ?
I am waiting to hear your experience.
18 Cuckoo // May 3, 2008 at 12:02 pm
Alok,
Welcome here once again. You are 5th Alok on my blogs.
Heyy don’t say that ! You’ve visited Goa already.
Ahaa, now I know you’ve learnt my trick. It is yet another excuse to make a trip there. Right ??
19 Alok Meshram // May 3, 2008 at 9:43 pm
Cuckoo,
Couldn’t resist saying…
Seems like us “Alok”s are getting attracted to your blogs because it declares that “Alokit hai mera jahan”.
20 Alok // May 3, 2008 at 10:37 pm
I am glad that there are already so many Alok’s here … I never had a chance to meet another Alok in real life. thanks to you & your blog, hey now while replying you should number all of us, like type Alok1, Alok2, Alok3 … etc … just like we get our official IDs
BTW I am Alok5, right ???
21 Cuckoo // May 3, 2008 at 11:43 pm
Alok M & Alok5,
Ha Ha Ha… ROTFL
Alok M,
You bet !! My bad ! Now the secret is out.
Alok5,
kindly let me know of your second name. It’ll reduce the confusion. No need then for typing 1, 2, 3..etc.. else I am renaming you as Alok5.
Well, there is one Saini, one Agrawal and one Aalok. All are regular but two of them don’t comment here (there are other means of communications).
22 Alok // May 4, 2008 at 7:09 am
@Cuckoo - It’s padhi, but I guess you can call me Alok5 here
I am amazed by the fact that you know so many Alok(s) … hehe. Convey my ‘Hi’ to other Alok (s).
23 Cuckoo // May 4, 2008 at 9:46 am
Alok P,
Noted. Will convey your Hi to them. *waving hand* Hiiii
Are you from Orissa ? Just for curiosity, not that it makes any difference to me.
24 Alok // May 4, 2008 at 10:13 am
Right, you can find good number of posts about it
25 Alok Meshram // May 4, 2008 at 11:14 am
Cuckoo & Alok5,
If you’re going along attaching numbers to names, I’d like to be called as Alok666
26 Tarun // May 4, 2008 at 12:12 pm
Hi …
Thanks for coming along on my page … me a self confessed cricket junkie …
my take on IPL well … will blog on it soon … not been blogging as much as I would like …
But its got me hooked to it …
U have got a real good website and blogs … I mean the site is great and you blog with lots of gusto … keep me awed.
Ciao
27 Praveen GK // May 5, 2008 at 8:00 am
Hey Cuckoo,
Finally I configured your blog on the reader. Now, can stay in touch with your posts.
Well, a unique form of transport indeed. But the point is, how many ladies would be willing to travel by this mode of transport!!!
28 desh // May 5, 2008 at 11:20 am
“never in life I boozed so much”
agree agree, me back from goa some 14 hours back, it was quite a good trip, my third one, although much different from the earlier ones given the quantity of liquor involved
this time I didnt roam around much, although the best part was roaming with so many less clothes on your body around :), and many other stupid little adventures which we fell into, some naughty, some not so naughty, fish, pastries, chocolates etc.
although on the bike thing u shud have rented one, thats even cheaper and better
great place, planning to go again sometime
29 peter // May 5, 2008 at 1:00 pm
You can add Paris to the list ! Come and test them !
30 Celine // May 5, 2008 at 6:21 pm
Haha, cuckoo. That’s not right.
So many more places to go to, so much to see, so little time left…..
31 Raghu // May 5, 2008 at 10:33 pm
Goa…. Go Goa….. an awesome place……
So did u visit the casino there???
as far as i know goa is the only state that has a casino in India.
32 Mona // May 5, 2008 at 11:50 pm
Hi Dear,
Thats the lovely thing you share with us…
And lovely means of transport too..
I will definetly gonnna try it, if i went there..
TAke care
33 Cuckoo // May 5, 2008 at 11:54 pm
Alok M,
No way, no number game here. You are Alok M and he is Alok P. Period.
Tarun,
Welcome to my blog.
And you have come to right place, I am no less a junkie ! Was watching match between Punjab XI and Royal Challengers.
Thanks for the appreciation, keep dropping by.
34 Cuckoo // May 6, 2008 at 12:11 am
Praveen,
After a long time you are here ! I have been reading your posts but haven’t commented yet though have marked one for the same.
Well, motorcycle taxi is quite popular all over the world wherever it is operating. I think you have Indian saree/pavdai clad ladies in mind otherwise I don’t see any problems. I saw many ladies making use of this service and myself would have used it frequently had it been in my city. We generally go alone in an auto rickshaw, compared to that this taxi is much more cheaper and faster.
Also, Goa as a city is quite safe if you are thinking in terms of crime rate. The city goes to sleep quite early.
35 Cuckoo // May 6, 2008 at 12:17 am
Desh,
Ahaa ! So you were there as well ! Yeah, I completely agree with you on enjoyment part.
Arrey no renting of bike this time, we should leave some things for future na !!
Peter,
You can add Paris to the list ! Really ?? I never saw them during my stay. Is there any particular area where they operate ?
36 Cuckoo // May 6, 2008 at 12:33 am
Celine,
Aah ! Why do you say such things ? Be optimist and keep moving. You are a one brave sweet lady.
Raghu,
No casino this time. Have kept it for future endeavours.
37 Cuckoo // May 6, 2008 at 12:35 am
Mona,
That was a very looooooong hiatus, eh ? Welcome back here.
Yes, Go Goa…
38 ~nm // May 6, 2008 at 9:35 am
Go here - Something for your eyes!
39 SiD.. // May 6, 2008 at 5:57 pm
well…. when i saw 38 comments on this post, i realised that I am seriously away from blogging…. lack of net at home doesn’t help either…
so hope u had a nice brotherly trip at goa…the motorcycle taxi thing was a new one for me…
40 david mcmahon // May 7, 2008 at 4:11 am
You just described such a familiar scene for me! Goa has always drawn me like a magnet.
41 Cuckoo // May 7, 2008 at 9:55 am
NM,
Thank you very much. I’ll be doing it soon. How soon.. don’t ask.
42 Cuckoo // May 7, 2008 at 9:56 am
SiD,
Ahaaa ! What a surprise ! After a loooooong time, I know you were busy but itna ??
Where are you these days ? Mumbai or Chandigarh ? Summer internship ?
43 Cuckoo // May 7, 2008 at 9:58 am
David,
You too pleasantly surprised me coming after aeons.
Well, I never thought I will fall in love with Goa.
Keep coming.
44 SiD.. // May 7, 2008 at 3:36 pm
ya.. in mumbai only… doing summer internship.. office mein net nahi hai. ghar pe net nahi hai… kya kare aadmi….
45 Daryl // May 7, 2008 at 11:27 pm
I really enjoyed visiting Goa with you … and whether you’re coming or Goa’ing you are a fun blogger!
:-Daryl
46 Cuckoo // May 10, 2008 at 1:28 pm
SiD,
Ha Ha…
Kya Kare aadmi…. Ab to ho gaya na ?
Daryl,
Welcome to my blog.
and whether you’re coming or Goa’ing you are a fun blogger!.. Ha Ha… cracked me up !
Thanks for your visit, keep coming.
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