For those of you who have served in Latin America, the comic above will bring memories, both the main character and the situation. Condorito asks the driver whether the passage costs 500 pesos. The driver answers that it is the capacity of the bus. A “plop” is standard at the end of every Condorito comic.
But, I can remember getting on those crowded buses. I can also remember some times when “getting on” meant grabbing a handhold on the bus exit handrail and putting my feet on the last exit step. I was always expecting the shocks on the bus to give out. Sadly, once in a great while someone did get thrown off, but that never seemed to stop all of us from jumping on and grabbing hold.
Those who have served in various countries around the world know that in many countries, our conception of enforcing the safety laws does not match their conception of what is safe or—often—what should be enforced, even if it is written in the law. And, if we are honest, we will also admit that sometimes it is FUN to ignore safety and just hang on to that bar hoping you do not slip.
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