How Many People Can You Fit In A Vehicle?

Okay, so the thing about transportation in Cambodia is that you can either travel by a bus, a van taxi or hop on the back of a moto. Due to Peace Corp's policy, volunteers are forbidden to ride a moto due to how extremely dangerous it is. This totally makes sense, especially since Cambodia does not really have a reliable ambulance transportation system and drivers never really slow down when driving down the main roads. It can be both exciting and horrifying when riding along. It depends on how you want to look at it. One of the cheapest and fastest ways, especially on a limited volunter budget, is by to taking a van taxi. However, even though it's a cheap way to travel there is still a catch...I like to call it, "how many people, chickens and bikes can you fit in a van?" The highest number of people I've counted while riding in a van was about 22 people. That's about average, I think they overdo it when they start putting people on the top of the van. Either way as crowded and hot and sweaty as it can get, it can add more to having a fun and exciting experience. I've met some interesting people and and have used the opportunity to practice my broken Kamar. I might as well help the time pass especially when mostly everyone in the van is looking at me with such intense curiosity. :) 

 On this one particular day, they added an extra person in the driver's seat. Can  you guess which person is driving?

 This lady was really sweet. We talked about her family and her home.

 My friend Erin, who is a health volunteer close to my site, also took the opportunity to teach them about dental hygiene and other health information.

I'm still amazed by this. I think my luggage is in there...somewhere.