Sleep

All over Asia I have witnessed an incredible ability of people to sleep almost anywhere. No matter what cramped situation, noisy location or downright dirty environment people have no problems in making themselves comfortable and getting some shut eye. Oh how I wish I could learn that ability.  Even on long haul flights of 12 hours I am the guy who is sitting straight up with eyes wide open while everyone around me is making the most of it.

The meat market above in Siem Reap was a great example where this lady simply slung up her hammock over the stall and got busy with the Zzzz's.

So whether it's a hammock a floor mat or a chair Asians are well experienced of getting horizontal if only for a short while. This lady above has neatly propped her legs up the wall and placed a straw fan over her eyes as shades.

And ... it doesn't really matter what you look like. Again the Asians have apparently no shame or worry about appearances ..... this old guy in Urumqi in West China has laid himself out in the middle of the town square and taken off his shoes to get comfy. Holy socks ...... not a problem. They call it ventilation!

This guy in Hangzhou, China has chosen a perfect spot in front of some grand old doors and complete with his "Nordic Casual Style" sleeping bag he can sleep throughout the cold winter night.

Or if you're a taxi driver, lorry driver or trishaw rider you have already the perfect place to stretch out and snooze as seen here with this trishaw rider in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

Afternoon Nap

This trishaw rider in Penang is taking the opportunity for a quick snooze.

There are about 200 trishaw in Penang which are mostly scattered around Georgetown area. Penang trishaw comes in many names, Rickshaw, trishaw, taxicab or locally referred to as beca.

The modern beca in Penang is a pedal-powered trishaw rather than one that’s pulled by runners. It ferries tourists through narrow lanes, offering them a closer view of the neighbourhood in an unhurried manner. The nostalgic feeling sitting on top of the three wheeled beca does indeed an unforgettable experience. Besides the novelty of traveling in this open-fronted three wheeled vehicle, trishaw allows visitor the opportunity of visit the sights at a more leisurely pace and stopping at any point to 

snap picture or to buy souvenir.

Beca riders are equipped with information about the interesting sights along the tourism route that they took, thanks to the state government initiative in providing training and the re-branding effort which includes beatification on the current old beca. This will makes a visitor's ride more interesting and at the same time raise the image of Penang trishaw riders which are one of the frontlines in making foreign tourist stay in Penang enjoyable.

The price of using a beca in Penang varies from about RM 15 to about RM 30 per hour. Try to negotiate for the best price before using this service. Some tour agent or hotels provide a package tour which includes sightseeing on trishaw with lunch or dinner included. The package tour cost about USD 35 to USD 45 and lasts about 2 to 3 hours.

Tricked-Out Trishaw

These colourful trishaws can still be seen around Georgetown in Penang and can be hired for a tourist tour around the streets - certainly beats walking in the stifling heat. This trishaw rider is taking 5 and catching up with the news in the local newspaper.

Becak

The cycle rickshaw is a small-scale local means of transport; it is also known by a variety of other names such as pedicab, bikecab, cyclo, ortrishaw or becak in Indonesia. The term rickshaw is used more broadly, and also refers to auto rickshaws, and the, now uncommon, rickshaws pulled by a person on foot. Cycle rickshaws are human-powered, a type of tricycle designed to carry passengers in addition to the driver. Cycle rickshaws are widely used in major cities around the world, but most commonly in cities of South, Southeast and East Asia.

The becak in the picture was seen in Yogyakarta, Indonesia and is the best and cheapest way to get round the city to see all the sights.