Swahili readings / Beginner 1 / Travel Basics

Taking the Bus

Kupanda Basi

Leo asubuhi ninakwenda kazini kwa basi. Ninaamka mapema, navaa shati na kiatu, na nachukua begi langu. Natoka nyumbani, ninatembea taratibu hadi kituo cha basi karibu na duka. Ninasimama kwenye mstari, naangalia saa, na nasubiri kwa uvumilivu. Basi linakuja polepole. Nampa dereva nauli, na ninaingia kwa mlango wa mbele. Naketi karibu na dirisha, na natazama mitaa, magari, na watu. Najisikia salama na mtulivu. Kipaza sauti kinatangaza kituo kila baada ya dakika chache. Najiandaa kabla ya kushuka. Nafinya kengele, nashuka kwa heshima, na namshukuru dereva. Nafika kazini salama, ninafurahia safari rahisi na ya bei nafuu.

English Translation

This morning I am going to work by bus. I wake up early, I put on a shirt and a shoe, and I take my bag. I leave home, I walk slowly to the bus stop near the shop. I stand in line, I look at the time, and I wait with patience. The bus comes slowly. I give the driver the fare, and I enter through the front door. I sit near the window, and I look at streets, cars, and people. I feel safe and calm. A speaker announces the stop every few minutes. I get ready before getting off. I press the bell, I get off with respect, and I thank the driver. I arrive at work safely, I enjoy an easy and cheap trip.