A pedestrian's life—how much is it worth?

OK, without a car, what is life like as a pedestrian? In some places in the world, motorists seem to be intent on running you down—as if doing so gave them points in a video game, for example. However, here in Kigali I wouldn't say this is the case, but the drivers do get awfully close to you, sometimes too close for comfort. Occasionally the cars and motorcycles seem to be heading straight in your direction, and then at the last second swerve to miss you.

When I learned how to drive—yes, many years ago this was—I was taught that you give pedestrians a wide berth. Get as far from them as you can, but still remain safely in your lane. That way, if something unexpected occurs, you as a driver can react in time. Here, there is no such philosophy. Cars and motorcycles will turn sharply in front of you as a pedestrian. They will keep backing no matter what may be behind them. If you are crossing the street, they will act as though you are not there. Especially is this hazardous when trying to cross a traffic circle—or "rond-point," as we say in French—because you don't know if the cars are continuing around the circle or exiting. (Turn signals are often meaningless.) Or even doing something such as backing up in the circle....

So, let's just face it—as a pedestrian you are the invisible person!

The main roads are, of course, paved (known as "tarmacs"). But they are outnumbered by the many dirt paths. So one needs to get accustomed to (1) getting dust kicked up by the wind and vehicles, and (2) mud puddles.

This means that a path looking like this during the dry season . . .

. . . becomes this during the rainy season . . .

So if you are wearing nice shoes, be prepared to have them ruined.

And I have noticed that unlike in Central and South America, where you can find boys on the street who will clean and shine your shoes for a small charge, no such occupation exists here in Rwanda. You would think that with jobs being hard to find, someone would get the idea of shining shoes for a living. But, no, apparently such a job is considered too menial. So instead, you can pay to weigh yourself on a scale. I would think having your shoes shined, however, is far more needed than knowing your weight.

Ah, but there is a plus to being a pedestrian. You get to see interesting things happen on the street.

For instance, the other day we were preaching near Kimironko. (Note: That was the day I walked more than 10 miles. Could barely get out of bed the next morning. Far cry from Sacramento preaching, eh?) We spotted this incident across the street: An umuzungu got one of his car tires stuck in a hole. He was immediately surrounded by a crowd of locals, who were eventually successful in pushing the car out. He gave them 4000Rwf, which they promptly fought over. (Give me the money, I deserve it! ... No, you don't, I did more work than you did!)

Ha! Got it all recorded on my tablet. This would never happen in the U.S.!