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.
This is Birgit…in Canada, unless you work and live in downtown Toronto, Montreal or Vancouver, you need a car. Relying on the bus, streetcar or taxi does not work well from town to town. We need to be like Europe or, Mexico when it comes to the transportation methods. It’s expensive too.
ReplyDeleteHi Birgit, thanks for visiting. Are you still blogging? Canada like the US is so geographically large that we need cars to get anywhere. And when there are buses or trains in the cities, they're not nearly as versatile and numerous as what's in Latin countries.
DeleteThat is freedom, indeed.
ReplyDeleteI love walking too. Glad you're enjoying that side of life because that works for the area you picked to stay. Walking is fun. Go you.
ReplyDeleteI do like getting my exercise and shopping done all in one trip.
DeleteThat's right. That's the best and it is good that you like it because you picked there to live. Like folks who live in the city of New York. Many walk a lot. Which is pretty cool.
DeleteIt's wonderful how many places rely on public transport and even walking. There are two advantages to this:
ReplyDelete1. We cut back on our carbon footprint, and reduce the climate change impact caused by fuel driven vehicles.
2. We avoid traffic snarls, and delays.
2. We move more and its good for our well being.
:-)
With the current fuel crisis, this lifestyle may be the best chosen option. Loving your travel anecdotes, Karen.
So many reasons to enjoy a nice long break from car culture!
DeleteI dream of living somewhere that I don't need a car. They cost a fortune.
ReplyDeleteIt's great that people don't need cars to get around all the time.
ReplyDeleteRonel visiting from Ronel the Mythmaker
I have lived in Southern California with only one vehicle for many years. My husband and I just always made it work, until he got a job that is 2 hours away (that is the traffic time. It is really only 30 miles). Because my work is only a mile, I was biking to and from for the last several years. Last year I crashed my bike on the way to the dentist and broke 6 bones. Although I healed eventually, I can no longer haul that heavy bike up and down the stairs of our apartment. With an injured foot, walking was not a consistent solution. I have been Ubering back and forth way more than is pleasant. I felt trapped. Last week I finally escaped. Not will purchasing a second car, but by getting a little electric scooter. Freedom at last.
ReplyDeleteBut still you managed to avoid the trap of that second car, yay!
DeleteAt my age (I certainly don't consider myself elderly but...) I would much prefer to be driven.
ReplyDeleteI don't have a car right now because everything is within walking distance from me for the most part. If I do have to go somewhere my son in law takes me.
ReplyDeleteWhere I grew up in the UK we would take the bus everywhere and they were real easy routes. When I moved to the states from a small village to a big city, I couldn't do that as the distances were too far between stops, and changing buses was very confusing to a newby. Fortunately, I had grocery shops within walking distance. I've been getting unsteady on my feet for the last two years, but I loved walking and I miss my nice long walks. I still get out as much as I can though. Thanks for stopping by and wishing me a Happy Easter. If you're celebrating, I hope yours is a happy one too.
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