Weird Things in Latin America 4. American School Buses Have a Second Life

You have probably seen our crazy custom Chicken Bus video. Old American school buses, usually tricked out with creative custom add-ons, are the main mode of transportation in many Central American countries. It gets very crowded and you won’t be buying any tickets to get on these buses. Hop on when it passes by and you will most likely have a two hour experience that you will remember for a lifetime. Don’t worry about not having any snacks or drinks with you, street vendors will jump on selling the strangest things.

Chicken Buses from Guatemala

Weird Things in Latin America 3 Money Change

4. Unfinished Buildings
Iron rods stick out of the flat roofs of many buildings. To a foreigner it looks like they just never finished the next floor up, however they are planning for the future. We are more concerned with the appearance of buildings. They are more concerned with the cost of the building. It may look ugly, but if they decide to build another story, the cement floor is already complete and the vertical iron rods are ready for cement.
Is Guatemala safe?

Unfinished Buildings in Quito, Ecuador
5. Money Change is Rare & Precious
When using a cash machine, it usually dispenses large bills, however it is nearly impossible to pay with large bills. This has been a common theme throughout all of Central and South America. You will find yourself making purchases in order to obtain smaller bills and exact change, but be aware, the retailer usually has a secret stash of change.
Jason Castellani (to be continued)