Things learned in a matatu...

Random picture of a matatu in Kenya.

Yesterday, I caught a matatu into town for my meeting with Ernest. Anytime I have to catch a matatu there is always a lesson or two to be learned. For those who may not know, a matatu is a form of transportation which includes huge 25 passenger buses as well as these old modeled 10 and 14 passenger (what we Americans call) vans... or minibuses. And trust me some are very old and are years behind on emissions. We won't discuss that or their awful driving... But we will get into lessons learned on a matatu.

A few lessons I have learned along the way include:

Matatu decked out with some Obama flare.

1. The sign may say it is a 14 passenger van, but there will be at least 18 passengers and a baby. Now that is uncomfortable.
2. The music may be great, loud, and fun to listen to.. but do not miss your stop, else you can walk quite a distance to your destination.. in the dark.. in uncomfortable shoes... not a good look. 
3. It may take hours to get to your destination, though it is 5 km away. 
4. You may have to get comfortable with people's body parts. My shoulder has been used many times as a seat itself. Yes... and eww.
5. You may have to hold a stranger's baby. I love babies, I do, but that can be quite hard. I mean babies cry, poop, fidget... poop. It can be difficult. But that is the Kenyan way.

Yesterday's lesson was just that. Though I did not have to carry any babies, I have before.  And as I watched a woman place her baby in another woman's lap, I was reminded of just how generous of an act that can be. The woman could not hold her own baby because the matatu conductor insisted that she not use up too many seats... and she was travelling with a huge box, which she also had to carry. Either way, I guess I can say it was a lesson for me all the same. A simple act of kindness and generosity. There are so many things that one can learn in a matatu, good and bad. And sometimes the experience may overwhelm, especially for beginners. Though I still find myself overwhelmed at times.

So I think I will continue to tally up the list of all the lessons learned in a matatu. Who knows one day, maybe I can write a book.

Cheers, and Happy Good Friday ya'll!!!

Pictured below is an old picture of me and some friends in front of a matatu named Chris Brown.
Oh yes, they have names!