anita

Humble Ode to my Beloved Chicken Buses

The current exchange rate is 7.797 Guatemalan Quetzales to 1 US Dollar, putting my 12-Quetzales chicken-bus ride from my home in Comalapa to the bustling Guatemala City at just over $1.50. In the two hours it takes me to get to my destination, I am able to reflect on the multitude of reasons I love this cheap mode of transportation in Guatemala.

For under two dollars I am in for the thrill ride of my life, complete with near-collisions, sharp corners taken at high speeds, loud music, and breathtaking views. I grasp the metal handlebar in front of me and marvel at the landscape as our bus plunges in and out of the low clouds that blanket the lush, green mountains.

For under two dollars I speed by thousands of dilapidated tin homes and see children playing soccer with a rolled up cloth for a ball. Their goals may be comprised of just two tree branches stuck into the ground, but they play with an enthusiasm usually reserved for the final of a World Cup game.

For under two dollars I am given the opportunity to discuss politics with the man next to me, dressed to the hilt in his traditional clothing and a big sun hat. Though not sure which candidate to vote for in the upcoming presidential elections, he wants nothing more than to be able to work his own land and be treated fairly.

For less than two dollars I am able to sit back and from my seat buy peanuts, agua pura (purified bottled water), a toothbrush, or even a lotion sure to cure both malaria and asthma from the many vendors that hop on and off the buses.

For under two dollars I, along with my new seat-mates, squish together more than we thought possible to make room for a fourth person in our seat. Through our concerted effort, we miraculously DO end up all fitting on the lightly padded bus seat, our determined efforts leaving us in fits of laughter.

For less than two dollars I ask the woman next to me about her traje (traditional outfit), and I realize how many stories one's clothing has the capacity of telling about who you are, what region you are from, and beliefs deeply rooted in tradition.

So for less than two dollars, I am able to take part in a completely different culture and for just two hours observe what it means to get from one place to the next for the average Guatemalan. There are tourist shuttles I could take; taxis I could flag down; I even have a cousin in Guatemala City who would drive me to my desired destination if I asked; but I'd have it no other way than jumping enthusiastically into the overstuffed, multicolored chicken buses and sitting back for the adventures I have come to know and grown to love.