Gia's combi adventures!!!

A mysterious creature, el combi

Combi's are the main form of transportation in Peru. I ride one every day to the training center. They are always packed to the brim, the drivers make me thankful for my life every time I get off one successfully...because there really aren't any rules for driving here...no luxury of a "highway patrol." The road is essentially a free for all. The other day, in traffic, the driver made a dirt road off to the side of the highway another lane.

Day 5: Gia falls out of the combi, literally. As I was getting off the combi, my sandal did this awkward thing where the front part flipped backwards so I flew forwards. Got some air. Went straight into the "cobrador's" arms. He's the guy that collects all the money. I think he saved my life?

Day 7: Gia's water bottle falls from her backpack and starts rolling around the combi, creating mass chaos for the Peruvians trying to catch it with little space to move. Everyone's personal space is violated because the small van is packed in so tightly with people. Disastrous.

Day 10: Gia knows what it feels like to be a rag doll. I tried to get up out of my seat for a woman and her child. The drivers here aren't exactly all about following the rules though. They go to the left, to the right, backwards on the highway...they do whatever they want. Needless to say, my driver was crazy. I tried to get up then he accelerated and gravity sat me right back down. Finally I could get up but I was trying to put my backpack in front of me for security reasons, and I wasn't holding onto anything. FAIL. YOU CANNOT RIDE COMBI'S WITH NO HANDS. YOU MUST GRIP ONTO SOMETHING FOR DEAR LIFE.