I took this photo during my 2nd year as a Peace Corps Volunteer in 1995. This photo depicts how PCVs traveled across country in "bush taxis" or "navettes". We piled in 2 per row with a 3rd fold up chair. The navettes were usually in poor condition with warn chairs and roofing deteriorated. The gated rack on top held our belongings. Depending on destination, one could be in a navette for 5-8 hours, not to mention stops for prayer time and mechanical breakdowns. This is one of those experiences you cannot go in resisting. Just succumb to the powers beyond and hope for a safe and smooth journey. And when things don't go your way, just accept the process and stay calm or you can drive yourself crazy. It is very opposite Western culture to slow down and take your time but that is the only way to stay sane traveling with local transportation in Niger. Popular pastimes in these long bush taxi rides are listening to a Walkman (yes, remember Walkman days?), reading, or chatting with others.