170 CultureShock! Egypt
Donkeys and donkey carts intermingle with car, truck and
bus traffic on overpasses, main streets and alleys. People
riding donkeys meander along through the traffic and are
seemingly unaware of the pandemonium around them.
Donkey carts are still a popular means of transporting goods
throughout Egypt. The turmoil of Cairo traffic provides no
exception. Drivers just go around these slower forms of
transport. In many cases, donkeys and donkey carts seem
to get the right of way, apparently because their movement
is less flexible. Giza implemented an exception. In July 2000,
by direction of the Governor, police began issuing fines of
up to E£ 500 to owners of donkey and horse-drawn carts
in certain parts of the governorate. This action, designed to
rid the streets of the traditional cart (caro), should improve
traffic flow and clean up tourist areas.
Except in the central business district of Cairo, you will
also frequently see people (children or adults) walking or
herding a water buffalo or goats on the roads or motorways.
They do not stay on the side of the road, but instead take
their place on the road or motorway along with the faster
moving traffic. Camels are rarely seen on the streets of Cairo
except around the area of the pyramids or near the camel
souk (market). Other than for tourist purposes, camels areThis donkey takes a break from pulling his cart along the streets of Esna and
munches on some berseem (alfalfa) to replenish his strength.