November 22, 2006 at 8:55 am

An early morning scene

The sun is barely above the horizon. Already the streets are full of traffic. Bus drivers taking children to school honk incessantly just to gain a few meters in their hurry to get their charges to school on time. Those driving to work fume and curse as the unbroken line of traffic moves forward inch by agonizing inch.

The prospect of having to explain to their bosses why they are late does not appeal to them at all. Just as bad-tempered as the bus drivers and the motorists are the lorry drivers.

They are paid by the number of trips they make and the traffic is preventing them from making as many as they would like to. Those traveling on motorcycles have an easier time as they can weave in and out of the traffic.

They are hardly impeded by the congestion. The noise made by the vehicles can only be described as deafening and the exhaust fumes emitted by them form a thick, black, choking, visibility-inhabiting cloud.

Unaware of the adverse effects of the exhaust fumes, some people are walking or jogging by the sides of the roads for health. waling with them are housewives who are going early to market so that they can buy the freshest vegetables, meat and fish.

Jostling with other vehicle for position on the roads are the hawkers’ carts. Many of those going to work will need breakfast and these hawkers are going to their sites early so that they can cater for this group of people. Their carts are heavy and they need all the strength in their arms and legs to move them.

Their strained faces, bulging neck veins, taut arm and leg muscles and forward-bending bodies clearly show the enormous effort they have to make. Usually someone helps them pushing the carts from behind.

At this early hour can also be seen the rubbish trucks noisily going about their work. They operate in the back lanes and the din they make can wake up even the soundest sleeper. it is no wonder that the rubbish collectors are the constant target of curses of those rudely awakened from their sleep.

This is the usual early morning scene on my way to work…

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