I have been meaning to write this post for weeks but I have been waiting for some decent photos to go with it. Unfortunately, I still don't have the photos but I'm running out of time so today I want to tell you about an everyday thrill ride around here...the dala dala.
Dala dalas are how we get to and from town each day. Essentially they are just mini-vans that are painted with a coloured stripe corresponding to their route. I don't think they are owned and run by a particular company as they are all really different. They are usually plastered with some sort of religious slogan. It really is lucky that God is protecting the passengers on the dala dalas, as good driving skills, road rules and seat belts are virtually non-existent here.
But what can you expect for a 300TSH ($0.18 AU) one way fare?
This is us creating our own lane of traffic. Or a 'bus lane' if you will.
I suppose it's hard to have seat belts though when you cram 30 people into a 14 seater minibus. This picture was taken on a quiet day. On a full day I wouldn't be able to raise my hand at all to take a picture.
Yesterday, a guy got off the dala dala to buy a live chicken, then brought him on the rest of the journey sitting on the chair beside me. That was fun.
But I do have to give them quite a bit of praise. Their system seems to be the only efficient thing around here. I don't think I have ever waited more than 2 minutes for a dala dala and often it is in fact them who are waiting for me! It still seems crazy though that they cram so many people in and drive at such a ridiculous pace. You would think everyone was in a hurry to get somewhere. But, in my experience anyway, no one in Africa is ever in a hurry to do anything!
Oh well, not too many more of these little thrill rides to go. My time here is winding up. I am feeling really happy today actually. I think I finally understand enough and accept enough to indeed 'love' Africa. It is so different to home and there are many things that are not ideal but once you fall into the pace of it and truly learn to embrace the phrase 'hakuna matata' I think a whole new world opens up and you can see, what feels like, the heart of Africa.
The sky is even full of butterflies here today. It is definitely a good day.
Till next time x
.... butterflies Ash, I'm so sure they are truly special creatures, that appear sometimes unexpectantly in our lives and have a magical appeal to us when we need it most! Can't wait to catch up with you when you come home.... Can me and Jakab make an appointment or should I say consultation ASAP ? XOX
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