MY FIRST RIDE ON A "CHICKEN BUS"

I am pretty sure that the buses in Mexico are a bit more comfortable these days, however, in the early 1950’s they were not comfortable and  a little bit chaotic sometimes on the infamous ‘chicken buses’, definitely not like the first class buses we would take to the border.  On the other hand maybe they have not changed.

A "Chicken Bus"

A "Chicken Bus" or "camioneta" is the main form of local transport between towns, villages and cities throughout Mexico and it is usually the cheapest option for traveling.
 They are usually an old school bus from the USA or Canada which has been brightly painted. often with religious motif's and the Virgin Mary on the dash and a dangling rosary from the rear view mirror, which may justify their use of excessive speed and driving techniques such as overtaking around a blind corner on a narrow road on the top of a hill.

They are called "chicken buses" because they are commonly used by locals for the transport of stock (including live-stock such as chickens) from one place to another.

My first ride on a “Chicken Bus”, September 1949.

Three weeks old

Having carefully wrapped their almost one-month old little bundle of joy, they set off early in the morning to grab a seat near the front of the bus. 

A Crowded Chicken Bus

Late comers were subjected to standing in the isle and overcrowding with chickens and produce in the upper racks headed toward Zacapoaxtla at the end of the road on a market day.
   Another advantage of sitting up front avoided an occasional dirty diaper that was tossed out the window only to come flying in on some irate passenger through an open window several rows behind.  (My mother told me this yrs. ago and confirmed by Dad later.  While traveling, she did not keep the dirty diapers, she also just tossed them out the window while other young mothers wrapped theirs in banana leaves.  Paper diapers as they were called back then were a luxury at that time and unaffordable, however, mother did get a few in the baby shower care package from back home.)DISPOSABLE DIAPER HISTORY CLICK HERE
Arriving in Zacapoaxtla, (5,000ft), they secured a room in an inn with accommodations for horses and pack animals.  Fog and rain had set in.  They had just arrived at one of the wettest spots on the Eastern slope of Mexico.  It was damp and cold and smelled of mold, while their sheets and bedding hung drying over charcoal burners for drying.
Their room would not be ready til dusk as the maid scattered around preparing the room.
Their little bundle of joy, totally oblivious to all the activity, slept soundly to what was the beginning of many changes for her.

Three weeks old

Due to miscommunication and knowing very little Spanish, no one came the next day to meet them as prearranged.
After several days they set out on foot toward Zapotitlan via Xochitlan with a “mozo” (a young helper), in the rain, and one umbrella to keep their precious bundle dry.  Aware that they would never reach their destination by night fall, wet, tired, and very discouraged they stayed in Xochitlan.  THE HUACAL~MEXICAN PIONEER BACK PACK CLICK HERE
However, shortly later the men and horses arrived from Zapotitlan to escort them the rest of the way.  With five adults and a sleepless night in a tiny room, sleeping on the floor, they set off the next day for a 6 hour journey.

Two and a half months old

  And their tiny bundle slept.
This was their first experience in the lack of adequate communication in pre-phone and pre-cell days.A PIONEER SPIRIT- MY MOTHER CLICK HERE
They finally arrived at their final destination, Zapotitlan de Mendez and first assignments, a remote semi-tropical village along the banks of the Sempoala River.  (Sempoala meaning in Aztec, 20 major bends in this large river.)  REMINISCING WITH DAD ABOUT ZAPOTITLAN CLICK HERE

A COLORFUL LIFE WITH DAD CLICK HERE 

THE JEEP CHRONICLES CLICK HERE

Our first home in Mexico~Zapotitlan