Kombi Rides

In addition to the public bus system and trains, public taxis (also called Kombis) are a popular form of transportation here in Cape Town. For only 6 rand (less than 1 american dollar) a passenger can travel anywhere in the Cape Town metropolitan area. However, there is a catch. These vans are made to seat about 8-12 people, when in reality there are at least 20 passengers squeezed into them at a time. Combining the tight quarters with the fact that the drivers think they are in a NASCAR race, it is no surprise that South Africa has the highest rate of traffic fatalities out of all the developed nations. While blasting music and honking their horn NON STOP, drivers will weave in and out of traffic, cut people off, drive the wrong way down the street, almost run over pedestrians and manage to run through a few red lights; and all in the course of a ten minute drive too. 

Today was a particularly interesting Kombi ride. With 23 passengers, it was extremely packed and I ended up basically sitting in the driver's seat. The driver, trying to be nice, kept trying to create conversation with me. However, due to his accent, I had no idea what he was saying. I opted to nod my head politely and smile in response. Apparently he must have been looking for a more detailed answer to his question because with a puzzled look, and then repeated his question. I then proceeded to ask him "What?" about 5 times before he finally asked "Do you even understand me?" I admitted that I had no clue what he was saying. He then asked "What language do you speak, anyways?" In South Africa (as in any culture), individuals who learn English as a  second language tend to be self conscious about their speaking ability. As a result, I was nervous about accidentally offending him by implying that his English wasn't 'good enough' for me to understand. So in a moment of desperation, I responded that I actually only spoke Spanish. He nodded his head in understanding and responded "Oh, I see…that makes sense." For the rest of the ride, the driver proceeded to ask me very basic questions pertaining to my stay in Cape Town while fashioning his inquiries in a very loud and drawn out voice so my 'alien ears' could understand. 

Later that day, I was out for a run with Carlyn, one of my housemates, and had told her this story. About ten minutes later, a Kombi drove up behind us hollering and honking even more vigorously then usual. It was then I realized that it was my driver from earlier that day. As they drove by, I heard him yell "HOLAAAAAAAA!!!!" out the window. Guess I will be practicing my Spanish in case I end up in that Kombi again.