Public transport here in Arusha is by minibus known as a "dala dala" These buses cram in as many people as possible where african mamas, their children and their animals are like sardines in a can and the smell isnt much better. They are remade inside to fit about sixteen people in them... they are renowned for their terrible driving, getting stuck in the mud, and being jam-packed with people...oh! and having amazing, random exterior designs with interesting sayings written on their back window. Our favourite is: "Pimp my Ride! Go to Church"
Other favourites: "Jealous People never win!" not to mention " "In God we trust!" the way they drive pulls religious fervour and prayer out of you.... "Fifty Cents - Go to Church" "Jesus is my Boss" "the Passion of Christ"
and of course all of the soccer teams in the premiership are represented: Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal etc.
Let us know any others you have seen??
From Wikipedia: The origin of the word dala dala is attributed to different sources. One is that it is derived from the Swahili word dala, jargon for 'five'. When Daladala made their first appearance in the late 1960s, the standard fare for a trip was five cents. Daladalas In Arusha are commonly called 'Hiace' after the Toyota minibus model most commonly in use (pronounced 'haice'). Many times the Dala-dala are filled with everything from goats to the daily market produce to the latest entrepreneurial venture of the day. People wanting to board must act fast and hold their position to gain access to the shared Dala-dala as everyone is usually fighting for their space.
Toll collectors are termed "mpigadebe" - literally, 'a person who hits a debe' (a 4 gallon tin container used for transporting gasoline or water). This is in reference to the fact that they are often hitting the roof and side of the van to attract customer attention and to notify the driver when to leave the station.
Dala-dala (Tanzania)
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Judi