How many people can you fit in a minivan?

We call them dala dalas here. It's the public transportation system. The dala dalas are converted mini vans that have about 12 seats in them. Yes only twelve seats, but the last time I rode in one there were 29 of us. Children get passed through windows. You hold chickens and bags and you touch everybody. The last time I went to Bagamoyo, an hour away, I had a rather large gentlemen standing/crouching in front of me. His legs got tired so he sat in my lap...just plopped down. No asking or thank yous! The only rule is the door must be closed. Don't even ask for a seatbelt. You don't need one. You're packed in too tightly.



In theory, all of the buses are marked with the color of the city or hub they go to and the color for the place they come from. The conductor hustles you on and shakes coins in your face when you are supposed to pay. It's about 300 Tsh for a ride most anywhere in the city. To areas outside of town the fees to up steeply. It's the only affordable way to get around though private taxis are a last resort (if you are sick, after dark, or in a sketchy part of town).

It's all part of the Tanzanian experience. At first, I didn't like sitting in the middle or back. Now I've learned that if you are riding all the way to the hub, it is the place to sit. You are less likely to have a rump in your face or lap and no one will try to pick pocket you as you are stranger with your rear towards the window with the window open. You get to know your neighbors well. :)