This week I took the buses alone for the first time. I was scared out of my mind! A little background, I started a new class (more on that in another post) that is located about 25 minutes away, so no matter what I have to take a taxi or bus or uber to get there, no walking. I originally thought I would just take uber and it wouldn't be an issue. However, after my first trip taking an uber to get there I realized how easily I'd be wasting money. With that, I decided/my husband asked me to start using the buses. One uber ride without a surge is about 30 Egyptians pounds. Even though that is only about 3 US dollars, it still isn't practical especially when taking the bus route adds up to only about 4.5 Egyptian pounds. Taking the buses just made sense. Plus, I do believe I need to get out more and experience more independence. This was the perfect way. Not to mention I'd gain so much more experience as a foreigner living in Egypt. So, after deciding to take the buses I actually had to do it. I was so scared, mostly because I'm naturally scared of being alone. I've had this fear for as long as I can remember and I believe it has to do with being the youngest and just having always had someone around me growing up. My husband came with me on the first bus which we walked to from our apartment. This bus took us to one of the most popular bus transportation areas in Cairo, Sayyeda Ayesha, from there he found me a bus to the next stop that would be closest to my destination. In that moment that I had to get on the bus alone and say goodbye to my husband I felt like an elementary schooler again, on the verge of tears, terrified of the world in front of me and just wishing he'd get on with me. It was intense to say the least. But I knew that no matter what, someone would help if I needed it, and sure enough they did. I realized half way through the ride that the bus I was on was not meant to stop where I needed to, but the bus driver just made an extra stop for me (he wanted my money). He was nice though. He asked this Aunty to show me the way from there. She got off with me and walked me to a mini bus on the side of the road. I hopped on, still scared, but more at ease knowing that I was closer to where I needed to be. This whole time I kept google maps open to make sure I wasn't lost. I sat there for a few minutes but no one else was getting on the bus, nor was the driver even beckoning for passengers. Confused, I got off the bus and walked a little ways down the road until another mini bus pulled up. I got on, told him where I needed to go, and we drove about half a kilometer down and I got off. Finally, I was in familiar territory again and could walk the rest of the way. I was overjoyed! I felt accomplished and proud and like I just achieved a new milestone. I immediately called my husband to tell him I was okay, I'm sure he was worried for me especially after that look I gave him when he left me. I'm so happy after this experience, I feel more independent, more knowledgable on Egyptian transportation, and generally just proud of myself for overcoming this fear. Now, I just have to do it again this Sunday, and then three times a week every week for a while. We'll see how long the excitement lasts.
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