Public, Public Transport

Transportation in Senegal can often be a constant battle. Where I live (Diara Pont, Kedougou), it is intermittent, irregular, although relatively reliable (during the dry season; I fortunately haven't been in a car that has broken down, although it is NOT by any means uncommon). Oh yes, and it takes a long time. However, being in the big city (e.g. capitol, Dakar), I decided to be adventurous and try out my bus and navigation skills (more like language skills) for traveling a longer distance (it'd be like taking public transport from Seattle to Olympia). I am in currently in Dakar for the quarterly SeneGAD meeting to choose Michelle Sylvester Scholarship winners as well as vote on a new board member, as well as attend the going away party for our country director, Chris Hedrick.

Anyway, typically the easiest way to get from Dakar to Thies is taking a taxi to the garage and waiting for a sept place to fill up to go to Thies. However, someone told me about a bus that takes you about 40km outside of Thies (in Rufisque) and then you switch to an Alhum (large van sort of thing). It is half the price of the sept place ride, so I figured since I wasn't on a strict timeline, I'd try it (plus I spent a lot of money in the previous days due to appreciating western shopping). Not like saving $1.50 makes a huge difference, but I felt better about it... I walk from the regional house in Dakar to where the buses wait to fill up. I walk up as the one I wanted to catch just started its engine to pull away. I climb up the stairs through the open door to be crammed towards the front with a spot for my hand to grab a bar ahead. I had a backpack on and was relieved when someone asked if I wanted to take it off and put in in an empty space near the driver (there was also a random bucket, and a rice sack of grass in this area). With each stop, someone, more people cram on to the bus and although I remained in the same spot, I was now three people behind my bag rather than just one. I knew I was getting off at this arbitrary city "Rufisque." I was in Wolof land, but managed to find speakers of French/Pulaar who would ensure I was told when we reached that city. As we got farther out of the city, more and more people got off, and I even got a seat. Just over an hour of being on the bus, I was told I was in Rufisque. Getting off, there were few people waiting for cars, although nearly immediately a car pulled up with the apprenti saying "Thies." I hop on and get a seat. I sit anxiously hoping I am heading the right direction, although I know I am, but unsure since I don't recognize the road. As the car empties, everyone is asked to move to a different Alhum to continue on. I somehow get the front seat and am relieved when I see road posts reading "Thies" along with "x KM." There was a little traffic so the journey ended up taking just over two hours, although in a sept place, it is normally an hour to an hour and a half, depending on traffic. I was so proud of myself!