The Bus Club

I happened to be in 6th of October City, a new city blooming in the neighborhood of Cairo. I had to get to the Downtown, an hour from here. Taxi, the most common means of transportation in Egypt, would cost me around 50 Egyptians pounds (around $10). I was standing on a road, watching the cars, taxes and buses passing by and instead of jumping in the taxi, I decided to order a sip of culture: go and try a bus ride. Some people think this can be dangerous, especially for girls as harassment can take place. However, I got a courage, but most of all curiosity to try it out.
Firstly, you need to know how to stop the bus. And that depends on where you want to go. If you go to Pyramids street, you shape a pyramid from your hands, or Lebanon square – you draw a circle with your finger. I needed Tahrir square in Downtown and that was a hand stretched forward and a little bit shaking from top to bottom. First time might be a bit weird. You feel uncomfortable trying to perfect your movement in order to stop the right driver. Finally, it stops. „Tahrir square?” I want to make sure my hand did the job. „Yes,” the crowd answers and spend a glance on my getting into the transport. I manage to find a seat among 15 other passengers sitting by 4 people in four lines and now think how to pay for my trip. Someone has the same thing on his mind. A person on my left shows his hand as a sign to give him my part. „How much?” I ask. He is trying to show me on fingers and then a guy from the first row answers „2,50 pounds.” Everyone noticed I joined the club. I give out money to the guy who asked me. He is the collector of the fee in my row and once collected he passes it to the driver. If you don’t have a change, you can give even 50 pound banknote as the driver will open his window and with a fast movement contact another bus driver to change your money. He is professional, he doesn’t even slow down.
I get an impression this is not only a transport; it becomes your one hour socializing place with its unique life there. There’s a guy who suddenly starts talking to me and we end up him offering me a job in Cairo. Another guy needs to pee. The bus stops and gives him the chance. Another one wants to buy Pepsi as it’s unbearably hot. You never know what can happen when you enter a bus in Cairo. In fact, it can also break down. One is certain – you better not be in a hurry when exploring this adventurous life.