The "Debaab" Shuffle

I've talked about other modes of transportation used in the country, but the "debaab" is one of the most commonly used and most readily available. In short, a "debaab" is a van which is used as a bus which stops to pick up people along their specific routes. They cost $0.10 a ride and their routes are well established and cover the city very well.

The Shuffle


So, it would be assumed that riding a "debaab" would be as simple as getting on and getting off, but as for most things here, it's not as easy as it should be. I live in a conservative city. Men and women spend as much of their time apart as possible. When they must, they will associate with one another but for only as much time as they have to. So when learning to use a "debaab" there are a few rules:

1. Paying for the ride is done at the end so it's important to have money ready. Since the driver sits on the other side of the "debaab" sometimes the man or boy sitting next to him will take the money from those disembarking.

2. Men and women are not allowed to sit next to each other unless there is a child in between (but even then it's not preferable) or they are your husband or a part of your family. A married woman can sit next to her husband and a man can sit next to him (and the other way around). Men and women will often lean over as someone is trying to get out so that they won't be touched...which is probably good since it can be a tight squeeze!

3. Women always get preferance for the middle seat (usually a two seater, which is actually used for three). If the middle seat is full, it's ok to sit in the larger seat behind the driver (a four seater) or in the back (a four seater).

4. If the balance of men and women change dramatically, it may require a bit of a shuffle. Women, who have exceeded the number that can fit on the middle seat, may be shuffled to the back seat where they can stuff up to four. This may then require that more men be stuffed into the front and the middle seat to accomodate everyone....and so the shuffle can continue...perhaps several times in one ride.

5. Children are allowed on with parents, but they are often turned down since they often try to ride for free. Until they are teenagers, they pay only $0.05 per ride, but some don't always have that with them.

6. It's preferable to try to fit as many people as humanly possible into a "debaab" so get cozy...I've been in "debaabs" with up to 14 people at one time. It's not so much of a problem while everyone's sitting there, but it can be a challenge to try to sqeeze out.

7. It's not uncommon for someone to pay for someone else. I've started conversations or even just said "hello" to people and they gladly pay for my ride. This generosity is contagious and occasionally, I can't resist and decide to bless a woman that I've just met.

8. It's a great place and time to make all sorts of friends (of the same sex, of course) so make sure to smile and enjoy the ride and you could meet a friend for life!