Public transportation in Guatemala ranges from pickup trucks to tuk-tuks (defined as “a small passenger vehicle that resembles a three-wheeled motorcycle with a metal or canvas frame”) to the Gringo-named chicken buses. The latter are buses that used to transport students in the States but have found new life and new color in Guatemala.

A pic of these infamous buses was found on the front of a birthday card I received from my older brother today. The caption reads “Guatemala: at the intersection of pimp my ride and public transportation”.

I’ve ridden on these, choked on their smoke and jumped out of their way. I know full well that part of the draw for us in heading down to Guatemala are the vibrant colors and culture there and these chicken buses are just a small glimpse into this world.