Saturday, February 21, 2009

Ipikipiki or Imotor or Motorcycle Taxi...

You can find a lot of things that you are familiar with in Kigali, but not this one.

It is Ipikipiki or motorcycle taxi.'pikipiki' comes from the sound of a motorcycle. All motorcycles are one size at 125 cc and one style. It will take you where you want to go, but only one person can ride. So if you are a party of more than one, then you individually will have to ride a different motorcycle. It will cost you Rwandan Franc 300-1,000 (60 cents to $1.8) depending on the distance in the city of Kigali. I would really like to try it, but Kristin is warning me that I will not be covered by the insurance if I get involved in an accident. It looks a little scary, but everyone is riding it. Man and woman... young and old... in skirts or in suits... Yes, they all share one helmet and yes it is usually hot and humid here. So... yes the helmet is most likely smelly and sweaty. Well... it is a culture and a custom. Tourists are riding it. Do you want to try it?

- Jeffrey

1 comment:

Jennifer said...

I strongly argee with Kristin that you should not jump in to try Ipikipiki eventhough your heart is in Motorcyle. Your safety is first and foremost concern for you to serve the ministries, you know.