There seem to be only two rules for driving in Cairo: 1. Every square inch of available road must be occupied at all times. 2. You must be able to prove you have a functioning horn -- every 15 seconds.
There seems to be an intricate code here expressed by honking. One honk means, "don't get in my way." Two honks means, "get OUT of my way." And three honks means "I owe you a new cat."
There's also some code involving flashing the headlights but I can't figure that one out yet.
As much as I hate to say it, I think during this entire trip so far, above everything else - the amazing sights, the interesting people and the incredibly strange food - the one thing I've gained more than anything else is a real appreciation for traffic laws. Really, it's one of those things a person doesn't appreciate until it's gone. At this point, if I had to pick the three things that define a civilization, it would be possessing a written language, a legal system, and crosswalks.
Crosswalks are wonderful. If you haven't appreciated a crosswalk lately, take a moment the next time you are crossing the street to say thanks for the little green man.
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While driving in Brazil, I was continually flashed. I finally asked a local and they said it was because I had my headlights on in the day. Apparently, it is illegal to have your headlights on in the day. This coming from a country that thinks if you put 2-liter water bottles on top of your water meter, the coolness of the water will slow down the meter so it will save you money. It's Brazil! It's 100 degrees outside! The water is going to stay cool for about an hour!
My favorite Egyptian driving moment was when we were driving next to a vegetable truck and a woman goes screaming past us in her car, cuts us off to pull up next to the vegetable truck and buys vegetables from him through the car window WHILE DRIVING. Then waves at us and drives away.
Please give us the obligatory description of how you are being treated as an American abroad. I realize that your personal charms could probably win over even the most hostile anti-American native, but I am curious if you've received any flack. Take care, bud.
Have you encountered any animals of burden in the roads? Sidewalks, we all know about the ungulates you can find there, but in the streets, man, in the streets!
Seriously, have you seen animals next to cars in the streets?
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