The ABCs of Pakistan (Automobiles, Bikes and Cars)

Editor's note: Traci is covering the aftermath of the flooding in Pakistan with correspondent Kaj Larsen. Watch their reports on AMERICAN MORNING at 6:00AM Eastern.

[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/09/16/kaj.transportation.cnn.art.jpg caption="Pakistani street scenes with people riding on motorcycles, bikes and car."]

By Traci Tamura, Senior Producer

(CNN) – It’s been almost two weeks since I arrived in Pakistan and everyday has been a new adventure. Whether it's meeting local Pakistanis as we travel from story to story, or visiting remote towns and villages where I learned about Pakistani culture and customs—it has all been an educational journey.

One thing that continues to fascinate me is how differently they use transportation. Maybe it's because I’m from California and the idea of carpooling is still a bit foreign. Pakistanis seem to have mastered the art of efficiency in terms of using every bit of available space in and on any mode of transportation they are using.

When I first arrived in Pakistan, I remember driving through the busy, crowded streets, and unlike the U.S., you don't see an SUV on every corner with just one passenger in it.

In Pakistan, less is more. Most people drive around in small compact cars and it is commonplace to see 6 or 7 people packed into the car, with kids sitting on an adult’s lap. No child seats required. Back home, my kids never seem to have enough space, even in a vehicle that seats seven people – and there are only five of us!

Some Pakistanis also favor riding motorcycles. When I say ride, I mean whole families up to five or even six people all seated on the back of the motorcycle, sans helmets, casually hanging on for the ride.

What is amazing to me is the ease and comfort with which they can fit an entire family onto a motorcycle, babies and all. On top of that, the women sit sidesaddle to accommodate their attire, sometimes even holding their babies while riding on the back of a motorbike. I can't remember the last time I sat on the back of a motorcycle, but I can assure you I was white knuckled and holding on for dear life.

In the U.S., we are inundated with helmet laws, seatbelt laws, baby seat laws and booster chair requirements. In Pakistan, they simply understand the need and demand for transportation in their country and give people the freedom to ride. No rules and regulations necessary.

Pakistani owners of taxi vans and transportation trucks take great pride in their rides. Each vehicle has a personality of its own. Most are custom-designed and hand-painted with vibrant colors. Vans are usually stuffed full of passengers and it's normal to see some riders standing or hanging on the back — even sitting on top of the vehicle as they travel for miles down the open road.

Back home in Los Angeles, my 5-year-old daughter is on her own new journey. Last week she started her first day of kindergarten. While I'm in Pakistan learning and observing in another country, she is busy meeting new friends and learning about her new school. As she starts her educational career, my journey continues.