There are no lanes per se.
Cars just seem to flow.
Though more often than not it's stop-and-go.
Even ambulances don't get a break.
The few traffic cops quickly get lost in the shuffle
and eventually give up.
Though the rules are in fact
pretty straightforward.
If you can get halfway through an intersection
then you have the right-of-way.
You can also just convince everyone
that you're not about to stop.
Or if you can get enough cars to follow you.
On the upside
if you miss your exit
it's okay to drive the wrong way down a major highway.
Though you're not supposed to tell anyone.
In fact you can drive the wrong way
down almost any street
as long as your car is facing in the right direction.
Or just flash your lights.
This is a one-way street.
The only thing more dangerous than driving
is trying to cross the street.
Once you start - don't stop...
in Cairo, pedestrians do not have right-of-way.
But driving is only part of the equation.
If you arrive in one piece
then you still need to find a place to park your car.
Parking spots can be awfully tight.
But entrepreneurial Egyptians have once again stepped in to fill the need.
Munadis are self-appointed car parkers.
They stake out a spot
along the city's more congested streets
and operate on tips.
They even take phone reservations.
They'll also protect your car
from packs of roving youths,
help you in and out of traffic,
and even give you a push start
if that's what you need.
All for about a dollar a night.
If you do happen to own a new car
enjoy it while you can
because it's not going to stay that way for very long.
Cairo is very hard on cars.
Most people buy their vehicles
in dusty second-hand markets
on the outskirts of the city.
It's a mixed bag
and buyer beware - all sales are final.
Not surprisingly, a lot of cars in Cairo break down.
Luckily there are plenty of places
you can take it for open-air repair.
If the situation is more serious
these guys can fix almost anything.
They perform miracles
with little more than a pair of calipers,
a dial indicator,
and an ancient metal lathe.
And if they can't fix it
there's an entire district in Cairo
that sells second hand parts.
In Egypt almost nothing goes to waste.
You can even turn your Kia
into a BMW.
When all else fails
your car can have a whole new life
as a street stand.
They'd be in Seventh Heaven in a place like this.
See you next time
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