Camionetas

Thus far, my blogging experience has taught me one thing. That I’m really bad at keeping a blog. That, and that without internet it’s pretty hard for me to remember to write! I’m going to try to be better about it – I promise! Anyway, for now, here are some interesting facts about Guatemalan camionetas…

Here in Guatemala buses are the easiest way to get from point A to point B. A one way bus fair costs about 35cents and will take you basically anywhere you want to go. The part that I’m having a hard time grasping as an American who likes things to be done effectively and efficiently, is exactly HOW these buses work without a set schedule or set pick up and drop off locations. It’s quite fascinating.

A lot of the camionetas down here are buses from various parts of the US (we even have one down here from Williamsburg, VA!) They are taken and painted and decorated in various ways, and I think the seats MUST be moved closer together, because there is only about a foot between the seats. Regardless, on a camioneta, you will sit WAY too close to a stranger, have at least one person’s behind in your face, and/or be smushed against the person next to you for at least half the ride… but it is definitely the fastest and cheapest way to get where you need to be.

On each bus there is a person who is responsible for getting patrons to the right locations and collecting money from everyone. When you arrive at a “bus stop” (sometimes marked, sometimes not), they will ask you where you are going and either tell you to get on, or wait for the next bus. When you get on, you sit wherever you can find room. And I seriously mean that, even if it is basically on the lap of the person next to you! Also, they don’t collect the money when you get on the bus. The person in charge basically remembers where you got on and when you’re getting off, and then after a stop they come around and collect your fair. Somehow they always remember who has already paid and who has yet to pay. It’s like magic. And as an American, I still don’t understand…but it works :).