In Abuja Nigeria, where I currently reside, we call some of our taxis ‘along’ or ‘drop’. For context, if I were asked, “Valerie how are you getting home?” My response will be “Oh I’m taking an along.” Which will mean I am taking a taxi. The difference between the two will be that the along comes with other passengers while the drop is more private, more like an Uber but not with all the ‘bougie vibes’ that come with it.
Every day, I come across new people. For me, it’s crazy how I have never met the same people twice. I mean, where do all these people even live? Where are they going? I often think of how everyone has their own stories, their own lives, their own worlds. I don’t know how God does it but He is wonderful.
If I were to speak on what intrigues me about these rides, it would be how people who I have never met and may never meet again can form a bond in a twenty-minute ride. How can there be so much joy, laughter, anger and much more towards someone you don’t know in such a short time?
On my way from the market one sunny day, the day’s topic during the ride was Nigeria. Yes, the country seems to help strangers find a common ground. After much banter, one man buys everyone a bottle of water, stating that at the very least we can drink water and stay fresh. While I didn’t contribute to the conversation it was nice to listen to everyone’s perspective. It was even nicer to have a drink too. It sure was a hot day.
On a different day, after work, I took a stroll to the bus stop where I could get a ride to get home. There’s this thing the drivers do to call for passengers, a wave with the back of their hands means ‘along’ in this case it means they were going through particular routes, one pointed finger means area 1, two fingers say area 2 and so on. I use ‘along’ cars most of the time. On this day, as I was about to enter the car, this lady passenger for some reason didn’t want to adjust and the driver yelled ‘Madam move now’. The next couple of minutes were a blur because this woman lost it. She yells and yells stating that the driver shouldn’t annoy her. There definitely was a back-and-forth. Before long, everyone in the vehicle starts to discuss again including the driver and the lady. I am lost for words. I find that sometimes people are having a not-so-great day and others are somewhat caught in the crossfire. It’s best not to take it to heart.
A memorable day for me was when a boy and his brother didn’t have enough money to get to school. They had to plead with the driver to help. The driver of course refused and just when it seemed like all hope was lost. Someone offered to pay. I don’t blame the driver for refusing. Times are not easy in the country right now and who knows whether he helped someone just a day before. I am however thankful for the man and I’m sure the boys are too.
I have had the pleasure of experiencing a number of people. Being in their stories for even if it’s just ten minutes. I have heard mother A giving her children instructions, boyfriend P apologizing to his bae for his actions over the phone and man C sending his father-in-law’s medical report for a second opinion.
Where I am? I am finding peace knowing that true beauty is in the journey, not the destination. That the uncertainty of life is what makes the trip even more amazing and finally, that there is magic in everyone however different or not so different they are from me. We all contribute to giving the world its colour. I think that is incredible.
Sometimes it’s the journey that teaches you a lot about your destination.
– Drake
