My office mate Ali, who also happens to be my car lift to and from the office, has an errand to run for his wife to Deira tonight. And because I want to reach home early, I decided to take a bus to go back to Sharjah.

As expected, the bus station near Al Ghurair Mall in Deira is jam packed with passengers waiting in line for the iftar to be done with and the station officials start giving the orders to board the buses. After paying the driver, I found myself sitting beside an Indian guy who smells like a dead rat, literally. I can almost say the stench of a dead rat maybe an understatement, but it’s the closest comparison I can think of. Forgive me for the description, I know it’s a bit harsh, but if your were in my position, I am very sure you would certainly agree.

Much as I hate it, I covered my nose with my hanky throughout the duration of the ride. I know it’s untoward to do that but I was left with no choice, or else I would certainly puke. I don’t understand why do they have that kind of stinking smell. Is it because they don’t take a bath? Or is it because of the food they eat? Don’t they smell themselves and realize how stinky they already are? Hygiene plays a big part on this. I’m sure they have poor hygiene habits.

Me and my Filipino office mates always notice the bewildered look in the faces of our Indian colleagues whenever they see us brushing our teeth after eating lunch. An elderly Indian from the accounting department wasn’t able to help himself and even commented and told us that we shouldn’t be brushing our teeth more than ONCE A DAY! Duh? So, It means that they only brush their teeth once a day, or maybe not at all. That explains it, that explains their hygiene.

Going back to the bus ride. I was already feeling nauseous when finally the Indian guy beside me stood up and disembarked from the bus. Finally, I was able to breath normally again. This is not the first time I experienced this, but definitely this is the worst. When I got down from the bus, I can’t walk straight because of dizziness that I opted to ride a cab just to reach home.

I’m still cursing Ali up to this very moment.