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Friday, September 3, 2010

"Marshrutka Bus" song

Today one of my former 6th graders showed me a paper he'd brought from home. On this paper were lyrics to a song to the tune of "O Christmas Tree"--but it was about riding the marshrutka here in Ukraine. It was originally from some guys that came to Ukraine in 2007 or 2008, and they sent it to the missionary/doctor here.

Now, for any of you who have traveled via public transport in Ukraine, you will truly understand this common saying here:

Q: How many people can you fit on a marshrutka/metro train car/trolleybus?
A: Just one more.

Many times (more often than not), the buses are crowded--you have to force your way on and off the bus. Do you want personal space extending more than a centimeter from your skin? Sorry--that's not available! I've gotten used to being squished on a bus, or being on a crowded metro train that I can't even reach the bars/handles to hold (in this case, I simply sway as the crowd moves).

Thanks to Greg and Denny and Tim and David, whoever you are!

A fairly empty marshrutka: behind the camera are 2 more rows of seats

Marshrutka Bus

Marshrutka bus, marshrutka bus
How many can you carry
Marshrutka bus, marshrutka bus
You carry way too many
My leg is dragging on the ground
The door won't close, I'm falling out
Marshrutka bus, marshrutka bus
How many can you carry

Marshrutka bus, marshrutka bus
You stop and go in traffic
Marshrutka bus, marshrutka bus
I think I'm getting manic
You go three feet and stop again
You stop to pick up another friend
Marshrutka bus, marshrutka bus
How many can you carry

Marshrutka bus, marshrutka bus
Your seating calls for twenty
Marshrutka bus, marshrutka bus
Maybe sixty is a-plenty
Twister is an easy game
Once you've ridden in Ukraine
Marshrutka bus, marshrutka bus
How many can you carry


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