When Life Becomes A Game

Sitting inside of an empty Matatu at the Old Taxi Park in Kampala today I thought I would never make it on time

Have you ever seen that little game called Traffic Jam? It is a bit of a strategy game, you know one of those educational types where they slip in a bit of learning while you are busy having fun. Anyways, in the game, you are trying to navigate this little red plastic car to freedom by sliding a series of other vehicles around the board. Seemingly simple, a tad unrealistic and surprisingly fun. That is until you find yourself living inside the game.

Fighting my way through the twists and turns of the taxi park in the heart of Kampala, I arrived at my desired point of departure and climbed aboard a matatu. Waiting anxiously for the redesigned van to load, I became curiously amused by the turn of events outside our door. Movement is far from uncommon within the confines of the taxi park, but as we sat motionless, two large buses and an assortment of other vehicles moved in, boxing us on all sides.

When we had finally reached capacity, the game began and a carefully coordinated reorganization of transport began. I couldn't help but chuckle at the entire spectacle unfolding before me with our conductor darting between vehicles trying to figure out how to get us out. Long story short, the "little red car" made it to freedom.