From here on out I think I should just say that this will no longer be a "picture a day" ha...I think its going to be more of "picture...when I get a chance to post."
But it's now February!! And this month is going to be CRAZY for me!! I have something going on every weekend until around mid-March.
On Friday, I headed to Mmathethe; a village about 2-3 hours away. On our way there we packed into a combi.
And since many of you have asked what a combi is...Im finally going to give you an answer.
A combi is a 16 (sometimes 18; and sometimes just 12--there may be 1 less row) passenger van. It usually consists of a driver and 2 passengers in the front; a row of 3-4; a row of 3-4; a row of 3-4; and a final row of 4.
Combis are used for public transport (except places that are farther away usually have bigger buses). In Gaborone, the combi's run to all the various "neighborhoods", including Tlokweng. It now costs P3.30 for a ride. It can be very tight, especially if you are carry groceries or bags. There's no organization as to where people should sit in regards to if they will be getting out 1st or last. So it always seems as though the people in the very back row...always seem to be getting out last. And that usually requires 3-4 people having to get out (to let that person out) and then back in.
There will also be times (lots actually) when the combi stops to let someone out. And then LITERALLY 2 ft later...someone asks to get out! haha drives me crazy sometimes! I dont get why that person just DIDNT get out when the person before them did!
The combi drivers are pretty crazy. They drive on the wrong side of the road, they go over islands in the middle of the road, and they usually speed (or sometimes...they crawl at a pace barely over walking speed).
I have had to carry hula hoops on a combi a couple of times. And after this one time in December...I swore I wouldnt do it again! ha I had 2 hula hoops with me and there was no room for them at the front; and of course the next spot open was for me to sit all the way in the back. So I had bring them all the way to the back with me (keep in mind I also have my BIG pack with me). They kept hitting people; and the person trying to fold down the chair...couldnt. Finally after like 3 stops (of me getting in and out)...they moved me to the front ha. And as I was getting out at my stop--the conductor muttered under his breath "freakin lekgoa." (Lekgoa is a term used here for "white" people. It literally means "vomit from the sea." nice, right?) haha whoops...dont think people were very happy with me!
And today on my way home; I had a "white" guy stop and get in. And you could tell it was probably his 1st time riding the combi. Because he got in; and then stood. He didnt realized there was a fold down seat to sit in. The whole time you could tell he was tense and constantly looking out the window to make sure he got off the right stop. It made my laugh and it also made my realize how far I have come!! I remember riding a combi for the 1st time and being terrified!! Now I ride them ALL the time. Some of the drivers/conductors(guys who take your money)even know my name now!
I have always wanted to get a picture of a "full" combi but usually people are staring at me. So on Friday, the 2 other PCVs blocked me while I finally took a photo! haha but we laughed and said that it really didnt do it justice.
Anyways, so this is how I get around! And yes...I most certainly miss having my own car and being able to drive!
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