Matatus, Part II

Apparently, no guilt was necessary for missing work today: all the volunteers missed work, as there's currently a matatu strike in Kayole, the part of Nairobi where our orphanage is situated. I can't imagine whom the matatus are striking against, and I also can't imagine a matatu union, so we'll see what the outcome is.

Speaking of matatus, I do feel I should mention that I've been on a total of 3 matatus pulled over by police for various reasons. 2 of those drivers have been arrested. Fun fact.

Oh, and here's another interesting tidbit I found in my Kenya health guidebook:

"Traffic in Kenya drives on the left. The country has one of the highest road fatailty rates in the world. Excessive speed, unpredictable local driving habits and manners, poor vehicle maintenance, bumpy, potholed and unpaved roads, and the lack of basic safety equipment on most vehicles are the hazards most evident on Kenyan roades. When there is a heavy traffic jam either due to rush hour or because of an accident, drivers are known to drive across the median strip and drive directily towards the oncoming traffic.

There are also fatal accidents reported that involve long-distance, inter-city buses, or local minibuses caled 'matatus.' They are typically driven at unsafe speeds and erratically cause accidents with other motorists or pedestrians."

So, given all this, is it strange that I have yet to witness a matatu accident? Or any accident at all?

If you're wondering why I'm online so much the past few days, it's because my host mother's sister left her laptop here, and all of us have been using it to access the internet. So, my recent prolonged illness has actually given me ample time for web surfing, oh joy!

Also, as a side note, given the amount of vomiting I've been exposed to the past couple of days, I would just like to say that I have never, and I especially do not now, understand bulemics.