(Posted 17 Oct 2012)
I love new challenges. That is why today when I got into a ‘konda-less’ mat and the dere asked/requested/pleaded/begged me, ‘kijana tafadhali nilipishie gari’, I wanted to say no, but before I did he added, ‘Utaweza?’ Huh, what? That did it. Did someone doubt my ‘money-rithmetics’ or my debt collecting skills or worse, my integrity. Now, who doesn’t know how to ask, nay demand for money?
It may appear easy, until you sit on the hot seat, or in this case, the ‘konda-seat’ overlooking the green scenery. I digress…
It was not without challenges. It started when folks paid with big notes and the dere told me he didn’t have change. So, I had change for like 5 guys and the hustler behind me kept tapping me and asking ‘change’. ‘Poa boss. Nakuwai mbao tukipata change kwa petrol station. Ata nyuma kuna msee anadai change ya thao,’ told him. Phew! hustlers. And then there was this chic who was pretending to be sleeping coz she hadn’t paid and thought I forgot. She should ‘know people’…
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To cut a long journey/story short: That apparent simple exercise is a test in memory and face recognition. I didn’t know that being a conductor is that demanding. Everyone is good at what they do. Be proud of what you do, however humble.
Big up and ’nuff respeck’ to all the kondas!