Back on two wheels

To cover more distance without joining the ubiquitous tour groups, Tim and I rented a motorbike (aka scooter) to get out and see the countryside. Well, it was actually our second outing on a motorbike...and after our first outing, I had my reservations about locomoting on these machines. Our first experience was with a total lemon, without much life left in her. As Tim shifted (or attempted to), we would lurch violently down the road. The moto did successfully get us to and from our destination (ancient Hindu ruins), with an amazing ride through the countryside just as the sun was rising and waking up the landscape. However, we returned the scooter once back in town with no intentions of being on it any longer than we had to. So this time around, I requested an automatic...and was a bit disheartened when I found out they didn't have one. But, much to our delight we encountered a sleek new scooter with working gages...and it slipped through the gears beautifully. On this adventure we are up in the highlands, having climbed up out of the heat. It is perfect weather for puttering along the winding roads among the evergreen forests and lakes. This region grows much of the country's produce, so we sailed past perfect heads of cabbage and cauliflower, and lines of greenhouses protecting brilliant gardenias and roses. We would pass motorbikes laden with bundles of fresh cut flowers headed for market. The most fun was when I assumed the driver's position... (although there are plenty of ladies driving the ubiquitous motorbike, you seldom see one driving with a man behind her...) So we had a great time watching heads spin and a man doing the most exaggerated double-take before his wrinkled brow eased and a huge smile took over his face. It's great fun joining the masses on two wheels...as long as they are a sturdy pair of wheels!!