Don't Mess With Big Mama

A sept-place trip in Senegal is an interesting bonding experience. A sept-place is a car that seats 7 people, often used as a transport over distance. The idea is to stuff as many people as possible,  along with their belongings, into a small, slightly elongated hatchback car. This really makes for an intimate setting with complete strangers on a 12+ hour adventure.

Today's ride from Dakar to Ziguinchor featured an interesting crew. There was a no-nonsense girl from a small village trying to make it in the big city, a girl in a fully veiled muslim outfit with only black mesh to see through, the slightly autistic driver, a couple of normal nondescript casting call type characters for car rides, and then there was Big Mama. Big Mama was taking no guff, and established her backseat throne early in the ride. When Big Mama said pull over, we pulled over. When Big Mama wanted to hold a baby, she held the baby. When Big Mama wanted the windows up or down, the window rollers complied. It was absolute rule. Thankfully, Big Mama liked us. She made sure we had a place to sit in the shade while waiting in the Gambia. Her newly drafted Gambian serfs ran errands for her, fetching drinks and food, and even a new pair of flipflops. It was amazing to watch her wield her Big Mama power.

Arriving in Ziguinchor the usual gaggle of drivers accosted us with ridiculously high fares to Oussouye. Big Mama heard such nonsense and immediately scolded one of the younger drivers. In response he took me by the hand and led me to a friend who gave me a fair price to Oussouye. Thanks Big Mama!