The Chicken Bus

I am queen of the Chicken Bus. Ok, thats an all out lie, but I can truthfully say that I do have some Chicken Bus experience under my belt.

First, the particulars. Chicken buses, as I stated before, are retired US school buses that have been given a makeover and everyday zip through the narrow streets of Guatemalan cities. They are the main form of public transportation. Most are painted bright colors, have their destination written graffiti style across the front, and somewhere somehow display the Guatemalan flag and the cross of Jesus Christ. All emit a black cloud of Lord-knows-what when they take off and have a driver that believes the more you honk the horn, the better.

When boarding a chicken bus it is important to remember that no bus is ever considered full. Like when you were a kindergartner, people sit three to a seat, but instead of holding baby-dolls on their laps, the people hold real children. Around the people seated, people line the aisle standing. Its especially comical when the school Bus Rules are still posted inside - number three is no standing while the bus is in motion.

The handling of luggage on chicken buses is also an interesting phenomenon. Most, my pack included, are hoisted up and strapped to the top of the bus. This in-itself is an impressive feat, let alone that its done while the bus is still in motion. It is satisfying to know though that I can, while jogging, take off my pack, lift it to a man clinging to the side, and jump aboard. Some things are allowed inside the bus however. Though I have not seen it with my own eyes, when I asked Aura why the buses were called Chicken buses she simply said, "Because you can take your chicken on the bus."

I have ridden a total of eight chicken buses, and each time I get a little better at it. I no longer have any inhibitions about sitting practically on top of the person next to me, not do I still question wether the young man deemed with the task of collecting bus fare will be able to make it through the hoard of people to the back of the bus. The speed at which a school bus can travel continues to amaze me though.