First Matatu Ride

I am proud to report I successfully navigated myself around on the matatu system today. The matatu is the fairly regulated public transportation system here in Kenya – thousands of white mini buses/vans that seat 12-14 passengers max and pick up/drop off along various routes. I was told three years ago the matatu system was not as regulated as it is today – way more than 14 passengers hanging out of various doors of the vehicle, stopping and picking up at random stops (probably similar to what I experienced in the Dominican Republic). Yesterday as Stanley (Sach’s driver) drove me to Fairmile School he explained to me which number routes I would take, and pointed out where I would get picked up, where I would switch vans, and where I would get dropped off – so I felt fairly confident in today’s adventure. I left Sach’s house today at 9:00am. Just to make sure I got on the right matatu, John (the house helper who has been with Sach’s family for over 50 years) walked me down to the matatu stop. Within seconds a van marked #23 pulled up and I jumped in. I had to negotiate my way to a seat in the back - my backpack got stuck on a seat – but luckily it was only a matter of seconds before I was in my seat so I didn’t cause too much of a scene. The backpack incident didn’t really matter, as I was aware of the various stares I received anyway– yes, I was the only “white” person on the matatu. A few minutes later I got off the van and waited 10 seconds max and the next matatu pulled up that took me to my final destination. This van was less crowded (I was one of 3 people besides the driver and the money collector) and I appreciated the bumpin’ African reggae music blaring out of the speakers. At exactly 9:10 and only 40 shillings (50 cents) later I was at my final destination. Just to give you some perspective, a taxi to Fairmile costs $6.25 (500 shillings). My future plan for transportation to and from Fairmile seems obvious to me:). A parent of a child dropped me off at the end of my road so I didn’t experience the return trip on the matatu today, but there are many more days to come:).

It is obvious that I stand out here, as I am a minority. Yes, I get stares when I go running, or ride the matatu, or walk along the road to the nearby shopping store, as I am typically the only white person on the side of the road and not in a car. I am getting used to these looks and the “mzungu!” comments (only got called that once today). But I can’t escape the thoughts and feelings that flood my head and body as I am in the midst of these ventures: I feel proud to walk along the road with other Kenyans-as this is their country and when I frequently get a smile or a “how are you?” I take this as a welcoming gesture; I wonder what they think of me; and I wish there wasn’t this obvious, yet unspoken class difference based on the color of your skin. I recognize this is how life is, but it is my intention to approach every person, every situation with respect and in a non judgmental fashion, as we are all just human beings after all, right?