Last week, I left my car in Alexandria and returned to Cairo with my husband. Early in the morning, my husband dropped me off at my workplace near Cairo University. I had to figure out how to return to the Fifth Settlement in New Cairo, so I planned to use Uber.

After work, an audacious and different idea occurred to me. I decided to embark on an "experience of renouncing comforts." I inquired about public transportation to the Fifth Settlement, and within two minutes, I had hopped onto the "blue public bus" heading to the minibus station in Al-Mounib.

The bus took a long route ending at Salah Salem Street. It was a moderately crowded, clean bus. In a few minutes, a seat emptied, and an elderly man stood next to me. I offered him the seat, but he declined, showcasing the gallantry inherent in genuine Egyptians. How could he sit while a woman stood next to him?

The journey cost me six pounds, and I was seated on a comfortable leather seat. Even though the temperature was 40°C, the bus's ventilation was more than adequate.

I arrived in Al-Mounib and walked under the scorching sun and heated asphalt to the station. I boarded a minibus that took the ring road leading to the Ninetieth Street, past the American University. That very route which I often drive cost me 14 pounds. 

I sat next to the driver, reserved the seat between us, and enjoyed a unique journey. The hot air didn't bother me; it reminded me of God's countless blessings.

The driver spoke on his phone but, as we approached known speed camera locations, he would put it down and place both hands on the steering wheel, just like we all started doing since the introduction of speed cameras in our lives. Egyptians are witty; there's always a workaround for everything.

I finally arrived at the club square. There were two kilometers left to the square that leads to my residence. I took one last minibus, colloquially called "Tamnaya", for a fare of five pounds.

It's always a challenge to figure out how to get into such a tiny vehicle due to its small size. I marvel at the agility of the regulars. You'll either crawl out of it or be carried out, akin to exiting an ambulance. I had to bend my knees to get in and somehow managed to sit while exiting. Maybe I needed an instructional booklet!

The entire trip cost me 25 pounds, whereas the estimated Uber fare was close to 450 pounds due to peak hour surcharges.

In dear Egypt, regardless of the economic challenges, there are always alternatives. One hallmark of advanced societies is that everyone should be able to use public transportation that respects their dignity, reduces their commute time, and operates on well-paved, spacious roads. We are getting there.

I had ten minutes left to reach my home, which I walked under the intense heat, feeling extremely happy. I observed the security personnel working patiently, greeting everyone with a smile and warmth, despite the tough conditions. Similarly, the sanitation and agriculture workers tirelessly roamed around, leaving the place clean and beautiful.

I now truly understand the struggles of the kind lady who helps me with household chores and how she patiently commutes using three modes of transport, whether in scorching heat or cold.

My friend, it was a beneficial and enriching experience. We often take blessings for granted, forgetting that continuous gratitude to God is required for their persistence.

I did enjoy the trip, especially since I was an unfamiliar face passing through local places, feeling completely safe and secure. I was among my people, even if I didn't know them personally. I never felt threatened for a moment. In my great homeland of Egypt, in most places, you can bet that you'll be alright. Among its streets and kind-hearted people, I found guidance on an entirely unfamiliar route. Despite the strangeness of the way and its length, I experienced the meaning of "feeling safe in your flock."

Throughout the journey, I kept asking for street names, for I never like to be led blindly; knowledge and learning are attributes of leaders and the only way to become a unique and distinct individual.

It was a valuable experience, an invitation for all of us to practice depriving ourselves of blessings to re-feel and appreciate them.

From today, I will not be bothered to drive for an hour or an hour and a half to my work in my air-conditioned car while I enjoy listening to the Qur'an or my music. These precious blessings uplift and maintain my calm and comfort. I will not let the weak bones and vertebrae of my back hurt, for they are continually blessed.

The lesson is in the spirit of the blessing, not its value, for he who denies his blessings wears the garment of boredom. Three dangers lie in getting used to blessings: firstly, they become an acquired right; secondly, you forget them; and thirdly, you look forward to what's next, ignoring the possibility of their disappearance.

Losing blessings depends on how you see what others have.

All your blessings are a favor from God to you; they won't disappear unless you become distracted from the One who granted them.

Our great Prophet said, "Fear the transient nature of blessings, for they do not last." This is what I did, O God, and I will continue to do as long as I can.

O Lord, sustain your blessings upon me, protect me from my ego, my harm, and my ignorance, and be my guiding guardian. Then show me a way to never forget Your grace and the existence You extended over my life, so I thank You every day in every situation until You encompass me with Your mercy in this world and the next.