Driving in East Africa

08/16/05

A word about the driving here: It was explained to me by Henry, the son of Jen the 2007 Migori MP hopeful, as we drove from Rongo to Kanga in his truck.

He continually pushed bicyclists off the road, and when I asked why, he said since the lorries push the buses off the road, the buses push the trucks and autos, so the trucks and autos push the bicyclists, so the bicyclists push the pedestrians. I think in this mentality lies many of the world's problems. Here in Kampala the boda-bodas add one more layer. I am constantly surprised I haven't seen any major accidents. Riding on the back of these things, your knees grazing the passing cars, you come within literal inches of certain death or dismemberment. And yet somehow, here I am. It seems to be the story of my life.

I have been reading "I Dreamed Of Africa." Its an amazing book that I highly recommend.

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