There might have been 221 but the day was long, the bus crammed and the firemen were getting worried. A new World’s Record was set on February 12th in a little village called Jocotenango, which is on the outskirts of Antigua in Guatemala.
The event was masterminded by two Aussies, Ginski Jermolajew (his real name) and Mark McLinden, 33 and 32 respectively. They’ve been in Antigua for a few months, working here and there, and on their way south eventually: that may be a good description in some ways, as they’re planning more events. The next stop on the “Marty and Ginski Show” is supposed to be on the Caribbean side of Honduras but for now they’re basking in the recent fame of setting a World’s Record for packing people into a bus. Poland supposedly had the previous record of 209 but on Sunday, in the large plaza of ‘Joco’ that dubious distinction fell by the wayside.
The stage, chairs, T-shirt stands and the bus were in front of the orange and white baroque Catholic Church and as the worshippers emerged from late Mass, the music and the microphones announcing the event kept their attention. There were firemen, teenagers break dancing on the basketball court and one nervous gray scrawny chicken in a wire cage. By 1pm or so, the main purpose began: there were a dozen or so gringos in the crowd, perhaps as many as twenty, and fewer than expected: the locals watched and then as this event for was not only for charity, a World’s Record but also for the honor of Jocotenango, they got into the spirit and the now crowded bus. One by one, two by two, and a small child here and there: it wasn’t easy. Those who ride these buses daily are accustomed to fitting three people on a small seat meant for two. The converted school buses that were originally designed for 40 routinely hold 80 (I’ve had the dubious experience) but 220? Yes! The event was recorded and written up in the largest national newspaper, La Prensa Libre: with one small error, unfortunately. Ginski and Marty are from Australia, not Austria. Joco rocks! Whatever is next for the Marty & Ginski Show remains to be seen or thought of: for now, Ginski is in a wheelchair for a week, having lost a race and a bet while riding in one. Look out, Honduras and Central America, coming soon to an island near you, the dynamic duo from Sydney.
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