Instructions for riding a bush taxi - Keur Madiabel to Kaolack:
- Find the right mini bus. (If there aren’t very many people on it, it’s probably not going in the right direction.)
- Give your large parcels over to others. (Three men can usually hike your big suitcase up on top along with the sacks of grain and three teathered goats going to market.)
- Push your way into the bus. (This has the effect of squeezing the others out the opposite door that were still getting off.)
- Select just the right seat. (It will belong to you for 30 seconds, after which six more Africans will come to sit in front, behind, and beside you, helping you to sit tight for an hour and a half.)
- Greet others around you. (It’s the custom. Lack of greeting is offensive and remember this: if you haven’t greeted him, he’s not obligated to help you when you’re in need.)
- Help others in need and keep a sense of humor. (That may include holding someone’s live chicken or extra parcels.)
- Pass your francs to any young man in back who asks. (Everyone except you knows who is collecting money and will pass it on… and return your change. Helping others in need applies now.)
- When the young man riding shot gun on the back fender suddenly disappears, don’t worry. (It’s likely he climbed up on top to keep the goats company.)
- Commiserate with others about the bumpy road and severe pot holes. (Your back ache will likely go away tomorrow, they have to ride this way all the time.)
- Breathe deeply at the beginning and end. (Hold your breath the rest of the way, generally Africans wash regularly but the dust is awful.)
