This is our driver, Von. He is sporting traditional Ni_ger_ian dress. We shot the picture to show the road to church. See the huge puddle on the left? When it rains this road fills with huge puddles that cover more than half the road. The puddle will be first on this side then on that. You weave through the road going from left to right to avoid the pools. The only problem is the on-coming trafic is doing the same. It's like going over a one-lane bridge all the way down the road. The day S. brought the camera it was very mild. We hadn't had rain for a few days, so you don't get the full effect. When it is dry this road looks like it is part of a BMX race course.
This is still the road to church. It is one of my two favorite roads here. The other one is on the way to the school. They have these gutters here that fill up with trash and sludge and sand. Every once in a while they dig out the mess. On the road to the school they decided to put the remnants of the sludge dig into the potholes of the street. It is a riot! The stuff is full of trash including sharp metal pieces and rebar. As you can imagine this road is now more bumpy than it ever was before it was "fixed."
Can you see the huge drop-off to the right of the cyclist? They pave the roads, then rainy season comes. It corrodes the sand away under the pavement so huge holes just drop out of the bottom of the road. This place gives new meaning to the word pothole.
The cycle is a whole other subject of conversation. It might be arguable that this small island has nearly as many motorcycles (called okada) as the entire state of Texas. They are a form of taxi. I've seen a family of 5 riding on one of these at one time, babies and all. It is so dangerous. It is also the fastest way to get around because when the cars are in a "go slow" (traffic jam) the cycles can maneuver around them. In a place where personal space is already very close you can imagine the troubles these vehicles can cause.
8 comments:
There is such a contrast. The interior of the car looks very nice--then the scene outside is um um--rough looking. Do the locals mind when you take pictures or is it considered rude or tourist-y?
Well lucky for you you have a driver. Thanks for the explanations. Its great to hear all the details about life there.
Oh my!! it is so good you have seat belts in the car to keep you safe and sound. What a way to travel. Probably lots to look at on the way to church or school.Love, Mom
Thanks for the history of the country. It is very sad. Love. V.
That's so awesome! it reminds me sooo much of El Salvador. The road drop offs, the traffic, the ridiculous number of motobikes. One day i saw one with the dad on the front standing, the mom on the seat, sitting on a 2X4 and holding a baby (like 2 month old) in her arms, and two kids on either side of the 2X4 like they were sitting on the wings of this tiny flying motorcycle. But it didn't fly.
...fancy 'mobile!!! how much driving around do you guys do??? is your driver full-time?
one of my favorite pics from uganda is a pic of a scooter (they're called boda-bodahs in Uganda) with a driver and four little kids behind him, all matching in their purple school uniforms.
This is crazy about the potholes - I'm sure those puddles are like 3 feet deep!
Hey - if you want to foot the bill, Taylor and I would be thrilled to show you two around Spain! I am so jealous you're going to Rome! I hope you have tons of fun - we'll definitely be thinking of you all!
...so i'm interested in Rome...on you? :)
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