I thought i would write a blog today about some random stuff that i know i cant even begin to explain but its worth trying.
Matatus.....
riding in a matatu is always a unique experience that one will never forget once experienced. The first time i rode in a matatu i was scared to death but as i got to know the way the matatus work i secretly began to enjoy the thrill of it all. So to catch a matatu you must be quick! They are more then willing to forget you and move on to the next person willing to get in. Matatus hold abotu 14 people legally however here there is no such thing as following the laws. So they tend to squeeze as many as they can into a matatu and if your stuck in the back seat of this matatu you are screwed. I have had a couple panic attacks being squeezed in the back seat for three with five so thats always a feeling of panic i wont forget either. Paying for a matatu is also an experience that can be frustrating. usually i just ask before i get in the matatu how much to town, mirema (where i am now located), etc. if they say more then i think it should be i say no way its (ten less then they say) and then they let me in cause they then discover i am not some stupid tourist willing to just pay to get to my destination. so then they give me a real price a kenyan price not a "white person" price. Then you are off to your destination which usually takes way to long becuase they stop every 3 moinutes to pick up as many people as they can so they can make a maxium profit. Its tons of fun sometimes the music they play is always fun and can make you want to dance . Some matatus have t.v.s that play VERY LOUD music videos that are a little risque but theya re fun and funny none the less. When finally to your destination you must yell to the conductor who is only inches away but can barely hear you because of the loudness or just take it upon yourself like i do and bang on the roof like the kenyans do when you want off and the driver stops and you move the the mass amounts of people and jump out to the street and try to avoid the other million matatu conductors trying to get you on their matatu or taxi drivers trying to get you in their taxi which at times could just be a lie! But no worries anyone....im kenyan smart now!
Bargaining....
Bargaining is always FUN! I am really good at it thanks to my arguing skills i have inherited from mom and daddy garrison. The people at Masai Market recognize me and love doing business with me becuase i think they are entertained by my good bargaining skills but sometimes they avoid me because they know i am looking for a cheap price! Cause although i am white i want the cheapest price possible! White people are thought to be very rish here and well....IM NOT! Masai Market is tons of fun though and i always leave with much more then i should but i just love what they are selling and there is some really cool stuff! Yesterday for example i went with my pal martha and went for one thing and left with about 10! I bought most of my souveniers though. My first purchase was three peices of really cool art that were started at 11000 and i got them down after hard bargaining for almost 30 minutes down to 2300! i could have gone much lower but they were nice and i think worth what i paid. So sometimes you still get a little ripped off but i guess its the experience of it all that makes it so much fun! The hardest part is being stalked down by the same people all day. screaming at you to come to their shop which is not a shop at all in american terms ig uess its just a tarp on the ground with tons of stuff laid out and most people have the same thing! Not everyone though. But when a person sees that you made a purchase its much harder from there becuase they know your serious about buying and they want you at their shop! But i guess ia m good at being stern and ...well a little bitchy which i have decided you have to be here in Kenya sometimes!
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