More Alternative Transportation -The Gama

The caption under this photo says "A Lady on the Chair Korean Gustoms." Litters and sedan chairs were used in many countries, including England, China, Turkey, and Korea. They were being used in one form as early as 250 BC. designs varied from one culture to another and also changed over time. Some were elegant and elaborately decorated and designed for use by royalty and other elite individuals. Others were fairly basic and used for public conveyance, similar to taxi service.

In Korea, the chairs were known as gama. They were generally used for royalty and government officials. They were also used for weddings though, with the bride and groom arriving in separate gamas. This one shown on this card is most likely a wedding gama, because it is relatively plain compared to the elaborate ones used by royalty and government. As with the Latin American Silla (see yesterday's post), gamas were preferred over wheeled transportation because of uneven terrain and lack of paved roads.

Alternative Transportation- The Silla

Looking at this picture, you wonder why the Cargador ( carrier or loader) doesn't transport his passenger in a wheeled vehicle. Although the pavement here looks flat, these chairs, known as Sillas, were preferred over wheeled transport in areas of Latin America with steep terrain and unpaved roads. The chair is supported by a rope or band that goes around the top of the carrier's head. Additional support is supplied by ropes held by the carrier or by the carrier holding on to chair legs. On a steep uphill climb, the passenger would be facing downhill. Although the passenger was most likely strapped to the chair, it looks very precarious.

Juarez, Mexico - O'Brien's Riverside Cafe

Prohibition in the U.S. during the 1920's and 30's was a boon for the entertainment business south of the border. O'Brien's Riverside Cafe in Juarez was happy to serve alcohol to Americans willing to take the short trip across the river.