Fun on Transport, Chapter 786

You just paid 3000 Cfa (full price!) to ride in style on an open-topped truck full of freight. You'll be constantly reshifting to get comfortable, as you'll get lower and lower into the truck as sacks are unloaded at random villages. Just FYI, the best combination of seating= rice sack under you, cotton sack behind you, and a giant tire at one side for an armrest. If the tire's not your style, don't worry, we'll stop soon so they can switch it out with the one that just went flat. Which will subsequently be switched out for the original one when it goes flat. If you're feeling hot and want a breeze, feel free to sit up top, but be aware of fast-approaching tree branches at the side of the road, and be prepared to duck for neem leaves flying at your face. Don't get mad at the poor packing skills of the drivers as they have to shuffle for whatever's at the bottom of the pile every time you stop. Also, buy food at every possible opportunity, even if it's stale bread. Never know when you're gonna be sleeping on the roadside.

The funniest part was we bought tickets for the ride too.

This post dedicated to bus 786, which ferried me to Shamrock Middle School every day in 7th and 8th grade.





Also, a quote from this month's Vogue article about the Festival in the Desert in Northern Mali:
"We can pack and plan all we like, but nothing prepares us for Mali."

(another example of the fine public transportation of la Republique du Mali)