Cairo is a city that seems to be constantly on fast forward. While people rush to make ends meet, tensions rise, especially under the scorching sun, which shines down on the city no less than nine months a year.
Now, of course, that may be bearable if people were empathetic enough to give one another a break. But that is rarely ever the case.
Having spent a substantial amount of time commuting through Cairo by all means of transportation, both public and private, above and underground, I eventually learned a few tricks to remain chill as I dodge the city’s negative energy and tension.
1. Be one step ahead of traffic.
The term “rush hour” is a huge understatement of the traffic condition in Cairo, since traffic congestion runs for much more than an hour. If you have different route options, check live traffic updates first. You can do that through the Bey2ollak application available for iOS and Android. Google Maps also gives you as heads up on unusual traffic blockages.
Pro tip? Avoid the unnecessary temper of being late by adding an extra 20-30 minutes to the expected ride time.
2. Keep good music within reach.
Music is the easiest means of keeping yourself entertained, but when you’re stuck on a bus or a metro amid the crowds of fellow commuters, it serves for much more than entertainment. Music is guaranteed to lock out a lot of street noise and conversations that will probably only infuriate you.
3. Utilize your time on the road.
My favorite way to utilize my time between destinations is reading. If you’re driving, you can try podcasts. I haven’t tried it, but that’s how my friend started learning Russian!
4. Be fully equipped.
This may seem trivial, but believe me when I say that hunger and thirst can work up your temper. One of Cairo’s pros is that kiosks are scattered around the city. But if you’re taking the bus, the underground metro, or if you’ll be spending your time crossing Cairo on bridge, keep a stock of basic supplies in your bag.
5. Expect the worst and initiate the best.
I’m one of the people who usually leave home with an extra bit of perkiness and it upsets me when the city takes that away from me. But if I see it coming, I can avoid that.
When you spread love and joy, it will eventually come back to you. Remember that people may not be having the best day of their lives and being grumpy is one more thing they could definitely do without.