San Miguel has all sorts of streets, mostly ancient and narrow. All parts of the city and outlying areas are served by the municipal bus system that I am now finally using. The buses come in at least 4 sizes matched to their routes. Our bus is tiny because it travels the small calles of the neighborhood. Up to now, I used taxis because they are so convenient and I grew accustomed to them when I broke my foot last year. But I apparently carry some baggage from bus-related misadventures of the past that might have kept me off the buses. Once, in New York City, I confidently headed off and found myself left in the center of a vast public housing project that had the feel of another planet. In Delhi my pocket was picked, and in Jakarta I managed to end up on an express bus that wouldn't let me off! had to taxi back to Jakarta from the airport, the surprise destination. Deciding to pitch this baggage and asked Laura, the house manager, how to get to Centro.
After reminding me that walking is good for my health, she said to walk to the end of my street and then get on any bus headed down the hill. Don't worry, she offered, it might not look as if you are headed to Centro, but you will be left off in front of Oratorio church. She made sure I had 8 Pesos in my pocket for the round trip and I headed off. Other passengers were gathered at the corner and filled me in on all the options for visiting various parts of town. The little buss arrived in a few minutes and I had a lovely ride through the alleys of Colonia San Rafael and arrived at the Oratorio 15 minutes later. As I stepped down, the driver asked me why didn't I have my dog, and explained that he often sees us on the street. He reassured me that Bilbo would be welcome on the bus as I headed off on my errands.
Now confident and cocky, I decided to bus out of Plaza Gigante where I can get Reggiano Parmesan at a cheeze shop. This is usually a 40 Peso taxi ride so the thought of a 4 Peso bus ride was appealing. After consulting with passersby, I found the stop just as a bus pulled up – a lovely blue one bigger than the neighborhood van. I felt several arms on me as I stepped up as my route information consultants pulled me back. I had not listened to directions, they said, and was about to get on the wrong bus!! Cocky no more, I waited 5 minutes and this time read the destination information on the bus window. The interior was nice and there was great ranchero music playing as we headed for Gigante where I successfully got my cheese. I took the local and was dropped off about 2 minutes walk from my front door. How great!
Mexico has built a wonderful public bus system and I plan to use it for trips all over the country. The lower the class, the more chickens are on board with more adventures and lots of stops in villages. The first class buses are beautiful, comfortable, cheap, and includes snacks and bathrooms. They seem to feature Arnold Schwarzenegger Terminator films that are fun as well. Somehow they are more meaningful in Spanish.
After reminding me that walking is good for my health, she said to walk to the end of my street and then get on any bus headed down the hill. Don't worry, she offered, it might not look as if you are headed to Centro, but you will be left off in front of Oratorio church. She made sure I had 8 Pesos in my pocket for the round trip and I headed off. Other passengers were gathered at the corner and filled me in on all the options for visiting various parts of town. The little buss arrived in a few minutes and I had a lovely ride through the alleys of Colonia San Rafael and arrived at the Oratorio 15 minutes later. As I stepped down, the driver asked me why didn't I have my dog, and explained that he often sees us on the street. He reassured me that Bilbo would be welcome on the bus as I headed off on my errands.
Now confident and cocky, I decided to bus out of Plaza Gigante where I can get Reggiano Parmesan at a cheeze shop. This is usually a 40 Peso taxi ride so the thought of a 4 Peso bus ride was appealing. After consulting with passersby, I found the stop just as a bus pulled up – a lovely blue one bigger than the neighborhood van. I felt several arms on me as I stepped up as my route information consultants pulled me back. I had not listened to directions, they said, and was about to get on the wrong bus!! Cocky no more, I waited 5 minutes and this time read the destination information on the bus window. The interior was nice and there was great ranchero music playing as we headed for Gigante where I successfully got my cheese. I took the local and was dropped off about 2 minutes walk from my front door. How great!
Mexico has built a wonderful public bus system and I plan to use it for trips all over the country. The lower the class, the more chickens are on board with more adventures and lots of stops in villages. The first class buses are beautiful, comfortable, cheap, and includes snacks and bathrooms. They seem to feature Arnold Schwarzenegger Terminator films that are fun as well. Somehow they are more meaningful in Spanish.
No comments:
Post a Comment