Feb
Big Blue Bus.
Written by Shiko
I love long distance day bus travels. It means stopping and having a moment, nay, having upwards of 8 hours of uninterrupted me time to read, sleep, wake up, moot ideas, ruminate over then, sleep, wake up, read some more and ruminate some more. It means taking time to come back to basics, appreciate nature and country, spot a few trees and shrubs and try to remember their names from Science and Agriculture class. I might even pleasantly catch myself staring in awe at the clouds and noticing that alas! there have been cute, fluffy, and sometimes mysterious formations in the sky all these years!
Seriously though, I get to get completely spaced out, or give enough brain time to issues past and present and I like that. Ether way it helps clear my mind even more than is the case at the beach which I tend to take completely for granted. The only other place I’m able to space out like that is upcountry in the village.
I guard my me time jealously and this is the one time I allow myself to be a snob. In most cases, and without having to utter a word past greetings, my neighbor knows that we shall not be discussing the Middle East, the rise and fall of the Kenyan shilling, or calculating how much the bus company makes per trip. When they that met their best friends and future husbands in the bus are counted, my hand will most likely be down. But that does not mean I cannot help a child struggling with a seat belt! Or anyone else for that matter.
So many hours with a clear mind and nowhere to go cements my patience. I could very well listen to Celine Dione’s heart go ooooooon and oooooooooon. I might even sing along who knows.
I’ll not be the one struggling to scribble or balance a laptop to type in a moving bus but a few of my blog posts have taken shape and been given enough brain time during some of these travels. Funny therefore, unfortunate even, that it has taken so long to do this article.
Too long a bus ride though and I could start swatting at imaginary flies.
The answer will come in the morning. Or after a long bus ride.
By Kabbz on Feb 27, 2012
Hi Shiko
Somehow i also love Long Distance bus travel, tho’ my self i love them at night. When everyone is asleep only me and my laptop on. reading and playing music. Great article though.
By Shiko on Feb 27, 2012
Thanks Kabbz. Sometimes I’m forced to take the night coz of time shortages but I much prefer the day. I guess I feel safer. Plus I love to watch the vast plains of Ukambani pass by.
By woolie on Feb 27, 2012
A good read – I love travelling and bus travel is very refreshing. I always enjoy the Msa – Nbi route. My last journey though, was marred by a reckless coach driver, rattling windows and the fact that I lost one of my shoes in the vehicle…
By shikomsa on Feb 27, 2012
Lol Woolie kwani what bus did you use? That’s a lot of issues for just one trip! Msa-Nrb in a good bus is much more fun especially now that the road is mostly good.
By Nyambura on Feb 29, 2012
I’m not a fan of bus rides
The shorter the better, if it’s long and I’m unable to distract myself, I get all agitated…As for me time, I’m very strict on that too and it always involves my disappearing from everyone for short periods of time…
By Shiko on Feb 29, 2012
Nyambura I hear you on the disappearing acts. Sometimes you just have to.
By The Spinster on Mar 4, 2012
I have far-from-fond memories of my daily rides to primary school in a KBS when young so I don’t particularly enjoy bus trips *shudder*
When on a long trip I carry reading books & eagerly await the journey’s end ..
By Shiko-Msa on Mar 5, 2012
Spinster I’ve had my fair share of bus trips from hell. Lots of them actually. Considering I grew up between here and shags, I was in a bus every other month. And them days buses were nothing like the air suspension ish we’re using now.
By Mkenya on Mar 5, 2012
Hey Shiko,Guess who’s back with a new name and new blog, Cee from mydreadlocks after disappearing from the blogsphere. Sasa nimerudi, hope this time for good.
As for the post, bus rides are great if you have a good driver and great company. I’ve never taken a solo ride, so I don’t know how that works but def with the African sun, loud music and great company to dance to the music with….
By shikomsa on Mar 6, 2012
Cee! Wir haben euch vermisst.
Buses have certainly improved from the days the aftermath of a bus ride used to feel like someone put you in a sack and beat you up. As for entertainment, carry your own. We’re talking inbus entertainment of some karateka movies and bangra music. For the most part anyway. Ok maybe comedies once in a while, basket mouth or the drunk.
Welcome back to blogosphere. MIA’s are excused. There’s more to life than blogging.
By carolkmail on Mar 7, 2012
I also love long distance bus travels! And everything you say on here! But unlike you, I love mine to be at night. I think it’s the emphasis of darkness. Me, the night, alone. It’s like disappearing into some abyss.
By shikomsa on Mar 8, 2012
I hear you oh dark child.
By solomonsydelle on Apr 3, 2012
oh boy, this took me back to cross country trips across Nigeria as a child. Of course, no laptops at the time.
Hope all is well.
By Mama on Apr 4, 2012
I love night travel, totally avoid long distance bus travel..
Like you, I don’t talk to people at all during travel……so I do get to enjoy my ‘quiet’ moments.
By Shiko-Msa on Apr 5, 2012
All is well Solomonsydelle. Thanks for passing by.
Mama good to see you here after a looooong absence. This blog has missed you!
By Savvy Kenya on May 7, 2012
I love traveling, by bus, by air, on a motorbike.. just being on the road.