US Consulate officials intrigued by the not-so-fascinating rickshaw

The US Consulate General Karachi posted a short video from their official Facebook account. From the looks of it, some members of the consulate staff were having a ball, riding around the streets of Karachi in a rickshaw. In a rickshaw!

What’s surprisingly corny about the video is the fact that how much the Americans are pumped up and enthusiastic about the whole venture. After gawking at the rickshaw for a substantial amount of time (and seemingly taking in its unique design), the American staff decided to board the rickshaw. As the three-wheeled vehicle strutted along the streets of Karachi, the passenger’s joy knew no bounds. Clapping hands, hooting and having the time of their lives, the American passengers were mystified and enthralled at experiencing a rickshaw ride.

So much so that when it all ended and the rickshaw was back to where it had started its journey, everyone took turns to try and drive the vehicle. For most in Pakistan, rickshaw is a troublesome vehicle, with the noise pollution apparent. Besides that, it is also one of the most common features of Karachi or Pakistan, in general.

There seems to be no reason whatsoever why a rickshaw would enthrall, invigorate, entertain or entice foreigners towards a common, outdated form of vehicle. One woman from the Consulate also stated that riding in a rickshaw was like “a dream come true” for her. Either it was a hapless attempt to be friendly overtly or a case of mistimed humour. Other than that, I don’t know what it was!