Many times as we have been riding around in this city, the thought has crossed my mind that we will probably not make it to our destination, at least not in one piece. Yesterday, was a perfect example of why my little mind would think that!
We were riding in a rickshaw to go help a good friend of ours pack, as she was gettin ready to head back to the states. The rickshaws are only really big enough for three people, so when you add any bags, it gets a little crowded. We have gotten used to being squished, and try and take turns on who sits on the outside. Today M sat on the right, me in the middle, and sister Sue on the left. We were riding along, all fine, until we pull behind this one van. The van looked like something was really wrong..as it was kind of lopsided. Now this is not a great surprise, since there are huge pot holes on the particular rode we were on, and many people get stuck in them, but it is always kind of nerve racking...especially in bumper to bumper traffic...which is how it was at this specific moment. Being in a rickshaw...they always seem to own the rode, even though they are the smallest. They weave in and out...not really caring about other cars..or their scared white passengers in the back! So we start weaving and M starts to grab my arm. We end up being stuck between the lopsided van and another car at a red light. The van starts to rev it's engine, cause obviously now is the time to get out of the whole, and M is practically sitting in my lap! The van revs really hard, M has my arm as her seatbelt, and all I can think is that I'm either going to lose M or lose a limb! As the van starts to back up out of the whole, the light changes, and our little rickshaw driver weaves again, acting like that was an everyday occurance! M held onto my arm a bit longer, and than said that she gets the middle next time!!
Well you would think one exciting ride was enough for a day...but not in the sandbox! The story continues...
So that night we dropped S dawg off at our friends house and me and M start to head towards home. We got an amjad, and sputter down the road. This again, is not much of a surprise, as they tend to sputter, even on good days. This specific amjad was really having problems, and actually kept stalling. Next thing we know, our driver gets out and tells us in Arabic that he needs to go get gas, and that it will only take 30 minutes. Well the next step would just be to get a new amjad, except that we had the whole of the sandbox in this amjad, as our friend had provided us with new presents from her packing party. I looked at M and thought, I got time, so we told the guy we wouldn't leave and would watch his amjad! He started walking down the road, and we just sat there. It was fine at first, except the floor started getting really hot. I'm no car expert, but I don't think the floor is supposed to feel like it's on fire, so as M was talking I started trying to get the door open. I didn't want to freak her out, so I just acted like I was getting hot. Well of course, the door was stuck. I pulled, and pushed, and pulled some more...to no avail. Finally M asked if I was ok...and i told her the floor felt really hot and I think we need to try and get out..just in case! I keep trying, and then (semi culturally appropriately) climb into the front seat, out the front door, and stand outside trying. I don't have guns like M, so it was hard, but after a good 5 minutes I got the door open and all was well! We sat there, with the door open, talking about life, food, and our crazy adventures in the sandbox. After about 45 minutes, a few awkward stares, and much laughter, our driver came back and the ride home continured. We made it home...still in one piece, and with a new expertise in being good passengers!
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