Riding sideways on a moto

There are a number of things that are unusual about the scene in this photo. One is that both driver and passenger are wearing helmets. in Siem Reap which is where this photo was taken and Phnom Penh there is now a push to encourage the driver of the moto to weat a helmet. It is still not deemed necessary for any passengers to wear one. Another unusual thing is that the passenger(female) has her hand on the drivers(male) waist. Cambodia is a very modest country and it is most unusual to see touching between the sexes taking place. The boys are very physical with the boys and the girls with the girls but never between the two!What is not unusual is that the passenger is sitting side saddle.Most Cambodian ladies ride motos in this way. I don't know how they keep their balance but they always look so graceful and poised.As a volunteer here my objectives tend to centre around improving healthcare services. However I have my own personl objectives and top of that list is learning how to ride sideways on a moto!