Crammed In

I am learning to have patience with matatus. Sometimes I really can't stand them and other times, I don't mind them. Matatus are how people get around here so I have no other choice but to accept them. I am praying one day I will have a good attitude about them!

Yesterday, it took 8 hours and 5 different ones to get back to Kisumu. The matatus are vans designed to carry 14 people, but they can cram 25 or more in there. It does not make for a comfortable trip. Certain seats are better than others. If you are in the first two rows, people will be standing,leaning over you as the van drives. In a row designed for three, you could have five to seven people. (Plus kids on laps) The third and fourth rows are ok, but when people have to exit, you it's hard to let them out. If you are really lucky, you'll get to sit in the front with the driver. They won't put more than two people up there. George is always really protective and kind and lets me have the best seat (usually by the window). Yesterday, we had a few legs where we were in the front or had only three people in our row. That is unheard of and was a nice break from the usual jam packed trips.