Human traffic

When Sir James Grigg was being taken to the Viceregal Lodge in Shimla to be sworn in as Viceroy and Governor General of India in 1938 (above), he was continuing a long tradition of relying on human horse power. The Japanese developed the first rickshaw - the jinriksha, or "human- powered vehicle" - in 1870; its use quickly spread throughout Asia. China eventually banned rickshaws in many of its cities, as it thought the use of "human horses" was too degrading. Nowadays, the only remaining fleet of human-pulled carts is in Calcutta. Rickshaws have been gradually catching up with technology; many have metamorphosed into pedicabs, or foot-powered tricycles. And this environmentally friendly piece of Asia has arrived in London, where pedicabs are now being used by everyone from businessmen in the Strand (right) to clubgoers in Soho. Even Sainsbury's has cottoned on, using them to take shoppers home with their groceries. Not quite the days of the Raj, but close.

colours

Blue

By the sea

Eyesore or an important tool in the struggle against erosion? This groyne, or breakwater, prevents the sand at Bognor Regis from drifting along the shore. Visitors might wince at the sight of poles breaking up a soothing line of blue sea, but they are a vital part of the landscape and have a striking beauty of their own.

numbers

Five

Walking the dogs

For chic Manhattan residents, having the right dog walker can be almost as important as employing the right interior decorator. Top walkers will take their charges out up to four times a day, as well as grooming, nuzzling, cleaning up after, and even sleeping over with them - all at a price, of course. n