Tag Archives: Antigua

Me and Buddies – Antigua, Guatemala

Me and Buddies - Antigua, Guatemala

Me and Buddies – Antigua, Guatemala

They followed me around for a while. There are lots of kids who approach tourists in Central America wanting a few coins. So I gave them some. Normally I’m not big on giving money to people in foreign countries who have their hands out. Not that I wouldn’t like to give them all some money. I would. It’s just there are so many and as soon as I give one some money here come five more who see me do it. After a while I have a crowd following me. Best not to get it started.

Inside Chicken Bus – Antigua, Guatemala

Inside Chicken Bus - Antigua, Guatemala

Inside Chicken Bus – Antigua, Guatemala

This is the inside of a chicken bus. The trick is to try and cram as many people in the bus as is humanly possible. The bus drives down the road and a guy leans out the door shouting and trying to get riders as they drive through the countryside. The riders get on and have to find a place to light. Chicken buses are not known for their reserved demeanor. The faster they get from point A to point B, the faster they can make the return trip. More trips = more money. So, the object is to see how fast you can make a loop. This doesn’t make for passenger comfort. The passengers are being tossed around as the bus driver drives like a maniac to get to potential passengers before another chicken bus. All-in-all it’s an interesting system, these chicken buses.

Chicken Bus – Antigua, Guatemala

Chicken Bus - Antigua, Guatemala

Chicken Bus – Antigua, Guatemala

Checken buses are bightly decorated school buses which function as public transportation in sections of Central America. I got to ride a few during my sojourn to the area. I always felt good about riding them. It was like I was supporting some sort of weird cultural institution. It was also akin to going to the state fair and getting on one of the thrill rides.