Camionetas: Part II

During my first few weeks of training I wrote a blog discussing the qualities of the famous Guatemalan mode of transport- the Camioneta. Now that I’ve lived here for almost a year I’d like to reflect once again on this colorful aspect of Guatemalan culture.

They’re loud, they smell, and typically stuffed to the fingerprint smudged doors with people, livestock, luggage and the like. Peace Corps volunteers earn more or less the same amount of money as Guatemalans, therefore we eat, live, and travel in the same ways- including camionetas.

My favorite part of the camioneta ride, and the aspect on which I wish to reflect on today, is a little something my friends and I have come to call “the wedge.” Think back to the days when you rode a big yellow bus to and from school. Maybe you were assigned a seat or maybe you fought your way to be the first on the bus and have the best seat, but either way, you’ll remember that the seats were designed for 2 people, 2 small people. However, here in Guatemala, we creatively fit 3 full sized people in each seat bringing each row of the bus to a grand total of 6 passengers with kids and animals on the lap. Typically this means that the two people sitting on the outside towards the aisle are left with space for only one cheek; when winding up, down, and around the curves of the Guatemalan countryside, the trip becomes a workout and a battle to remain in your seat.

This is where the wedge comes in. The official definition of the wedge is the smashing of the two aisle bodies together so that they prevent each other from falling to the floor. The trick of the wedge is that both parties have to be willing- which is trickier than it sounds. When you are the third in your row and the third spot in the seat across from you has yet to be filled, you’ll be eyeing the boarding passengers to see who might sit next to you. The ideal partner that you are hoping to sit down next to you is the middle aged mama-type. She’s always willing to work together to make the ride more comfortable. As for the rest of the passengers who may chance to share the aisle with you, you’ve got to feel out whether or not they’re willing to do the wedge. With a little bit of luck, you’ll be sitting comfortably in no time.