Racer's Travel Journals

Racer

 
What is your traveling philosophy?

love em and leave em!

  • 31 years old
  • From Denver, United States
  • Currently in Denver, United States

Our Curious World

The world is a fascinating place! Working in 23 different countries, Experiential Learning International and our volunteers have seen some crazy stuff.

July 16, 2009

Guatemala Guatemala  |  Jul 16, 2009
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 Pimp My Bus 

One of the most variable aspects of international travel is public transportation.  There is a lot that you can get used to that stays similar across border lines (how to function in a restaurant, hostel culture, non-verbal communication), public transportation though seems to have a steep, and widely varying learning curve.  Taxis in one country may be strictly negotiable, while in the neighboring country are all metered.  Getting into microbuses in Egypt is a world away from getting in matatus in Kenya.  One form of transportation though, for me, really defines the feeling of being in another country and a world away from the United States, and that is the Chicken Bus.

Originally developed to traverse the route between Guatemala City, Guatemala and Tegucigalpa, Honduras, the buses eventually spread throughout Central America.  In Guatemala, each chicken bus is individually owned by the driver (or by a coalition of drivers) who fix them up lavishly to attract the attention, and therefore business, of travelling locals.  The fancy chrome grills and elaborate, bright paint-jobs have become a source of immense pride for the owners and drivers.  The term "chicken bus" evolved due to the practice of many riders of taking livestock on the bus with them to take to market.  While travelers and backpackers often enjoy trying out this unique form of transportation, it can be a lot of foreigners to handle.  Often the buses hardly slow down at stops, requiring those getting on the bus to leap into the open door while those leaving the bus have to all but tuck and roll to dive out of the moving vehicle with all of their possessions.  Concepts of capacity also rarely come into use as the buses become packed with a mass of humanity, squawking chickens, and occassionally a goat or two.

The chicken bus is definitely worth the experience and excitement to try, many travelers and tourists, however, find it better to spend a few extra dollars to be able to sit down and enjoy the ride.

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