Well, I officially had my first driving experience
here.
I remember those first moments last summer of being
traumatized as we whizzed along the road from Nairobi to Nakuru… trying not to
worry, knowing that SURELY we wouldn’t actually
rear-end someone, or hit one of the many people walking across the road in
front of us, or smash one of the piki-pikis (motorcycles) that came careening
past. Yet instead of having faith, I had
the urge to scream. It only took a few
minutes for me to be able to relax because it was evident that our driver was
quite experienced. He seemed to know
when the cow that was crossing the road needed to be honked at or when to
simply slow down and detour around it.
Tailgating appears serious, because the hoods are pretty much nonexistent…so
you can conveniently pull up to the person in front of you with abnormally
close proximity without harming either vehicle.
It is also very acceptable to be unpredictable, and somewhat
aggressive. Doing the unexpected IS the expected.
A year later, I again felt those first few minutes of panic
as I sat “calmly” watching and observing similar driving here in Kisumu… but
sure, I definitely do want to drive here, right? I mean, it can’t be THAT hard, can it be?
Suddenly, my bravery went down the drain. All of my courage evaporated in a matter of
days when I happened to be along with various drivers as they had some
troubling transportation experiences.
Witnessing their misfortune was not so exciting, but to imagine myself in their shoes was a
sobering thought. Maybe I didn’t want to
drive here after all. Forget the fact
that I went to the bother of getting an international driver’s license. Maybe I could use it somewhere else someday;
somewhere other than Kenya.
So, I have been happily riding along as others skillfully maneuver
us around on these delightfully dusty Kenyan roads.
Until today…Thanks to an amazing lady, who shows forbearance
in the midst of potential trials and tribulations, I overcame my doubts and just
drove. Thanks, Darla! (and Emily too~ you were a very trusting
passenger) Really, it isn’t a big deal, especially when it’s a very, very short
journey and it’s mostly back roads with excessive rocks and potholes. Just be sure to drive on the LEFT…always on
the left…and STAY on that side…but not
quite up on the curb; remember that when you are hopping into the vehicle
that the steering wheel is on the right, therefore the driver’s seat happens to
be on that side as well; watch carefully for tuk-tuks, piki-pikis, and matatus (vans)
that may decide to swiftly dart around you and abruptly cut you off; be alert
for pedestrians who very likely WILL walk across in front of you and may choose
to NOT scurry out of your way; be watchful for speed bumps and just bumps in
general; keep an eye out for cattle, goats, chickens, and other creatures that
are prone to cross the road in front of you… the list could go on and on.
“Blessed are they who drive on Kenyan roads, for their lives
shall be full of adventure.” -CJR
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