So, there are 4 main modes of transportation here assuming you don't have your own car and a driver. 1) The train. 2) The tram (think San Fran street cars). 3) Taxis. 4) The bus.
The train will only take you between Alex, Cairo, and Upper Egypt. A taxi can take you anywhere- for the right price. But oh, the HORROR! You can't even imagine how terrifying it is. The bus is mildly better, but I usually end up with a funky rash or some weird illness or some guy tries to fight me to close my curtain. Lastly, you have the tram. It only exists here in Alexandria. It's kind of slow moving, but it's cheap (like a nickel to ride one way) it's convenient, and seems pretty safe. Or so I thought.
So, I had to go to The American Center. I was told Gwen was at the hospital. Why? Apparently, an American student studying Arabic at the university was with his girlfriend. They were going to catch the tram as it started to pull away. The guy tried to jump on but slipped because he was wearing flip-flops, fell, and he ended up under the train. He said he saw his leg go flying through the air. Apparently, the other one was just hanging there and had to be amputated. Yikes! But I guess he lived and will be ok sans legs. Gwen and I were supposed to go the Beyonce concert Friday...but now she has to remain in her jurisdiction until the guy can get Medevaced (how do you spell that?) out. Nice going guy; get your legs cut off and ruin everybody's fun. (Ok, I'm not laughing, it's a horrible tragedy but I'm glad he survived and I hope he has a speedy recovery). Actually, I was just on Beyonce's website and it seems some extremists aren't happy she is coming...so, yeah...maybe it's better I skip that concert.
So much for that being the safest mode of transportation. I don't think I will look at the tram the same way ever again. Yowch.
The train will only take you between Alex, Cairo, and Upper Egypt. A taxi can take you anywhere- for the right price. But oh, the HORROR! You can't even imagine how terrifying it is. The bus is mildly better, but I usually end up with a funky rash or some weird illness or some guy tries to fight me to close my curtain. Lastly, you have the tram. It only exists here in Alexandria. It's kind of slow moving, but it's cheap (like a nickel to ride one way) it's convenient, and seems pretty safe. Or so I thought.
So, I had to go to The American Center. I was told Gwen was at the hospital. Why? Apparently, an American student studying Arabic at the university was with his girlfriend. They were going to catch the tram as it started to pull away. The guy tried to jump on but slipped because he was wearing flip-flops, fell, and he ended up under the train. He said he saw his leg go flying through the air. Apparently, the other one was just hanging there and had to be amputated. Yikes! But I guess he lived and will be ok sans legs. Gwen and I were supposed to go the Beyonce concert Friday...but now she has to remain in her jurisdiction until the guy can get Medevaced (how do you spell that?) out. Nice going guy; get your legs cut off and ruin everybody's fun. (Ok, I'm not laughing, it's a horrible tragedy but I'm glad he survived and I hope he has a speedy recovery). Actually, I was just on Beyonce's website and it seems some extremists aren't happy she is coming...so, yeah...maybe it's better I skip that concert.
So much for that being the safest mode of transportation. I don't think I will look at the tram the same way ever again. Yowch.
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