Drive or be Driven?

 

I have three methods of getting around town, listed in order of frequency: on foot, in taxis, on a bus. Although I avoid the local buses until I get familiar with the routes. 

In Veracruz, Mexico, where I lived for four years, I caught the bus to Walmart or Costco, then took a cab home with my bags of groceries. The bus was 50 cents and the cab about $3.00. However, most of the daily shopping was on foot in my own neighborhood at small stores just around the corner.

It's easy in Latin countries to not have a car, which is nearly impossible in the States. Mine lives at my son's house when I'm gone.

Expats who want their own cars, will either drive down to their newly adopted home or buy a car once they arrive. I knew two families with children who regularly drove back and forth between the US and Guatemala. They said as long as you took the major, state highways and traveled in daylight hours, everything was fine.

Taxis and busses are everywhere in Latin countries, relied on for transportation since many local folks don't own cars. And definitely not two or three of them like we do in America. 

In America, your own car means freedom. I want my own vehicle when I'm in the US, to come and go as I please. 

But out of the country, I appreciate the break from car culture. To walk to the local market for my produce and essentials. To not have to worry about traffic or parking or licensing and registration. When I do need a ride, I'm happy to pay someone else to do the driving.