Why I am not buying a car...now

Let me tell you a story! A story of how I had worn a mini skirt and a sleeveless sweater, then the weather changed from very sunny to...sigh...you know, cold and gloomy. At 5pm, the clouds were hanging low. My colleague has a car, so she kindly offered me a lift till Westlands so I could rush home before it pours. Long story short, by the time I was getting out of her car, I had wished for a car of my own about 30 times...and that thought lasted the rest of the night.

But today as I was headed to work, I realized that I don't want that car yet. Strange, I know. Here's why:

1. Plug Sleep Deficit

If you are like me, then, you'll understand this. Whether I sleep early or late, I never get enough sleep. I could take sleep as a punishment! Kwanza that saying ati "Early to bed, early to rise" doesn't work for me. If it were not for the 1 hour matatu rides, I'd probably be sleeping on the job, but alas! As soon as I pay the conductor, I head to slumberland...of course clutching my handbag very tightly.
I met a friend recently and (he paid my fare...lol!) he told me his son had just turned one. He narrated how for this one year, sleep had been a luxury. He and his wife took turns and even those were not enough. Guess what filled up that deficit? Matatus!

2. Your prince/princess charming may be waiting

I remember watching the wedding show some time back and listening to this couple giving the tale of their meeting. It was 6pm, in a matatu going home. The guy had been sitting one seat in-front of the lady. Suddenly, a car appeared and the driver had to brake. This threw everyone forward, others clutching at the seats to steady themselves. As the guy was settling back, he saw the most beautiful fingers he had ever seen (lol) and decided he must speak to the owner, and the rest was history. See? Ya'll single ladies and dudes....you never know! Plus matatus usually have some real eye candy...just for looking, even if you have your prince charming and his horse locked up in your barn ;)

3. Just have a look outside

When driving yourself, you have to FOCUS! Eye on the road. You hardly ever notice the beautiful scenery and when you try to, the drivers behind you honk like there's no tomorrow and startle you back to reality. There is no for daydreaming! You don't notice all the sweet dettol kids billboard ads that bring a smile to my face every time or the many deodorant ads along Langata road-what's up with that?
Many use a particular road everyday and fail to see the most beautiful or horrible things. Like how Langata cemetery is fast filling up and that soon we might have to cremate our loved ones. Granted, you may be chauffeured when you get that car, but by then you'll be feeling so important that your windows will be tinted and closed and you will be replying to your mail and all the other important stuff important people do on their ipads.

4. You get to sit back left and be chauffeured

This is pretty simple. Your dreams are valid...but until they are a reality, how about you pay someone 50 bob or less or slightly more to chauffeur and open the door for you? Ah ah! Who doesn't want that? Of course you have to get used to the car rushing off before you sit down or before you get off completely...but thats a small price to pay...yes? Yes. Now you can sit back and do number 1-3.

5. When is the last time you read a book?

Today. I read it on my way to work. In a matatu. I friend tells me she can't remember the last time she read a book, in hardcover or on kindle because, ni kuendesha nitaendesha gari ama ni kusoma nitasoma...and she's sad about it, because she was once an avid reader. Well, she tried to read before bed but she was so tired from driving and staying in traffic. Besides, she's married now. There are other things people do in bed and before sleeping...I hear.
If you still have that chance, ignite your reading or start. Its not too late.

PS: FaceBOOK doesn't count. Thanks.

6. Can you afford it?

Weh! I think this is self explanatory. Fuel, set covers, tyres, pimped rims and that service here and there. Ah ah! You know the way they say in Kiswahili "Kuzaa si kazi, kulea ndio kazi"? I think this applies to buying a car as well. Kulea hiyo gari inaweza kuwa tricky!! So have a real think about it.

7. If you are married, ladies, you might be in trouble that your man knows his car more than he does you :D

7. You get to have a blog called "My Matatu Chronicles"

Well, this one's already taken. I don't want no competition. Okay I'm kidding. I actually enjoy this. I don't know why. I was having a think on why I do it but as one friend puts it, "ni talanta...si gift."I just see things differently in matatus. Some I keep to myself, others I share here. Aren't you glad though? haha!


I know having a personal car can be real convenient, but it can be a real pain too! So before you buy that car, I suggest you buy a house :)  OR Buy a matatu, hire a driver and conductor and take a ride in it everyday.

I need to run and watch camels race. I'll tell you about it sometime...but for now, can you think of anything else to add to this list?