Transportation Time

[Note: This all was from June/July. But still the same ways we get around now.]

So a while ago, I believe we said we'd dedicate an entire post to transportation. Well, here it is...

First off, living in a place where you can't drive is a weird thing. I really do miss having the freedom of my car and just being able to grab the keys and go anywhere. For us, that's not an option. We can rely on public transportation, a taxi, or our own feet. Oh! There is another option! You must make friends with someone who has a car and use them for all they're worth. Just kidding! ;-)

I have never had to rely on a bus system so much. Who knew they actually followed a schedule?! I have learned that part especially when trying to get to service in the morning. I always groan when I see the bus I need pulling away. Punctuality is not a strength of mine!

It amazes me how many people they can pack on one bus! Near the end of the night, when the buses are fewer, people are hanging out the doors. Going back home for lunch is also always a crowded bus. It's a real skill to learn how to push your way through people when you need to get off, and also how to stand up without falling down when seats aren't available. Thankfully, even though I am a huge klutz, I haven't had any embarrassing falls on the bus.

Feet, Feet, and more feet!

It may not be the quickest, but the most reliable way to get somewhere is just by walking. I wish I could figure out how much we actually walk in one day...all I know is it is a lot!! I prefer walking to the buses, especially when the sun is out. I really wish we'd be able to walk places back home because it's definitely a great workout. Especially here in Cuenca, when you must travel the uneven pavement and multiple hills.

To get a taxi or bus to stop for you, you must flag them down. This is done by what Steph is demonstrating. It's funny though cause sometimes they just decide they don't want to stop for you. Especially the bus drivers if they're running behind. Oh well!

Taxis are quick to get around especially when you're late, but not always worth the cost. They love to give us the "gringa special." Thankfully Stephanie is very good at managing them, so they go back to the actual price. The best taxi ride was one where we got from el centro to our apartment in less than 3 minutes. I still don't know how he managed that, but it was amazing. Kaitlyn couldn't contain her excitement that we went so fast.  I wish I had a picture!

Some bus pictures




So that about sums up the ways we get around town. There are of course buses that we take to other cities that are quite different, but that's not a part of our daily life. Gettting around is easy, but still I would give anything to be behind the wheel of my car!