The tap-tap is one of the public transportation options in Port-au-Prince. It is basically a pick-up truck with a built-in bench on either side of the truck bed, and a metal cover over it. They are usually decked out in bright swirls of color, with portraits of Jesus or LeBron James ;) About 6, sometimes 7, people can fit on one side. You get very up close and personal very fast...
The system is nothing like a normal bus system back home. There are no signs, no maps, nothing official about it. There are dozens that fill the streets at one time, and they all go on different routes. You basically have to ask the driver before you get in if they are going to your destination. As far as payment, you just have to "know" how much it is- again, there is no map or official system. We have been asking Mimi which routes to take, and how much each will cost, so that the driver can't rip us off just because we're American and don't speak Creole.
Driving in general is insane. There are a few paved roads, but most have potholes left and right. Cars and motorcycles weave in and out of traffic, freely honking as a means of communication. It is so fast-paced and sporadic...
So, to sum it all up, here's a video that perfectly depicts how I feel riding through the streets of Haiti:
Images provided by Google Images.
You are hilarious with that video! So glad you were able to meet some Americans. My faith is built, as I prayed for you to become friends with someone who could empathize with your emotions. "Some wandered in the wilderness, lost and homeless. Hungry and thirsty, they nearly died. "Lord,help!" they cried in their trouble, and he rescued them from their distress. He led them straight to safety, to a city where they could live. Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them." Ps 107
ReplyDeleteJenna:
ReplyDeleteI finally got signed in to your blog and have read all of you posts since the beginning of your trip. I have also signed up for the email alerts. You are doing a great job with the photography and telling the story of all your experiences. Now I understand what a Tap-Tap is, but how did they get the name Tap-Tap? Do you Tap-Tap on the side of the truck and yell..."hey driver let me out at the corner?" How do you say that in Creole? Keep up the posts...We love you guys, Dad
I'm not sure where the name come from, but you're in the right direction! When you want off, you tap the window that connects to the front seat, or the roof of the truck, and if you're not sitting next to it, you ask someone else "frape pou mwen, silvouple" (knock for me, please!) or you say "mesi, chofe" (thanks, driver!), and he will pull over and you get out and give him your money!
Delete