You Better Walk Like an Egyptian

Because failure to do so will surely lead to your likely demise on the anarchic streets of Cairo. Having previously read up on the hazards of crossing streets in Cairo, I was still shocked to see the choatic and reckless nature of drivers here. Fully aware of the daily fatality count of pedestrians in his home city, Backry did me the service of teaching me the art of street crossing. A street typically consists of space that normally would allow for 2 lanes of traffic in a law abiding country, although Cairenes somehow are able to squeeze 4 "lanes" and countless swerving techniques into this space. The apparent disregard for human life by the drivers compounds the danger in venturing out. A total street cross without stopping is usually unlikely, therefore one must mentally visualize the traffic pattern and alternate walking an stopping at the appropriate parts in the road, with cars wizzing by at hairslength. There is something almost scientific about the undertaking as one must continously calculate the ebb and flow of the the river of cars rushing past. After several occasions of me shadowing Bakry's movements in order to cross the street, I finally received a baptize by fire when I was heading solo to the Egyptian Musuem. Facing a street with about 5 lanes of moving traffic I stood curbside for several minutes and stared, wondering just how in the hell crossing the street is physically possible.  A real life game of Frogger, where the stakes are more than a quarter.  I noticed one of the ever present Cairo policemen who was not far from where I was standing. I gave him a look that said "can you help with this" and he gave me the finger point and shoo motion that said "go on and give it a try sonny, you might make it." Much to his disappointment I made it and was able to enjoy the ancient exhibits in the Egyptian Musuem.
With more practice, the art of street crossing has turned into a fun bit to get the juices flowing. With the hope that it doesnt result in juices flowing outside your body.

Spent most of the day strolling around the backalleys of Cairo to get the local vibe and to inhale all the toxic wonder that Cairo's airspace holds. Smog and pollution abounds but not enough to kill interest in this historic city.

Heading to see history's most famous evidence tomorrow.

If not now, when?

Brian