I have an embarrassing confession to make. (Well, it isn’t that bad, but if I begin with such a scandalous statement, more of you might read this post.) Before my family moved overseas, I had only been in ONE taxi (downtown Mexico City) and I am not sure I had EVER partaken in the modern, urban marvel that is the city bus. Oh sure, I had been on tour buses, (Europe, Canada…the kind that come with the built-in quirky tour guide.) but I had never run breathlessly to the curb, briefcase in tow, catching my ride by the skin of my teeth.

I grew up in south-central, rural Kentucky.  If you had not a car, pick-up truck, (or tractor for matter)—you had not a ride.   A Turkish friend recently asked me the English translation of “taksi durağı.”  I had to think.  My final answer was “taxi stand.”  At least that’s what they say in the movies!

So, when we found ourselves in the middle of a city of over four million people, we learned very quickly that public transportation was our new friend.  Our city has, what I believe is, great transportation.  We are fortunate enough to live at the end of the route for two buses.  The buses literally put us out at our back door and pick us up at the same place.  We have a “city card”  that we can load with money and scan as we board.  The same card works for the subway and for the ferries that take us from one side of the bay to the other.  The kids and I hop on several times a week and head out to adventurous destinations like the open bazaar, piano lessons, and of course, Starbucks.

Is it hard with children?  When they are small…definitely.  I cannot count how many times I thought I would lose one of my twins out the door.  I have had strangers grab their arms to help me hold them on crowded buses.  Many times I have thought I would be separated from them as the doors begin to close and I am looking at their shocked faces on the sidewalk.  But now that they are older, it’s a lot easier.

Is it dangerous?  I have never felt endangered riding the buses here. Actually, it is quite the opposite.  I find that there is much safety in the midst of many eyes.  I have had to give a few evil eyes to men that tried to stand too close.

On the upside, I appreciate not having to find or pay for parking when I get to my destination.  Usually, I end up getting a lot more exercise when I opt for public transportation.  I also love running into neighbors and having friendly conversations on the way home.  Our kids actually know a couple of the bus drivers by name now!

Overall, our experience has been positive with transportation here. So, now you have a country-turned urban girl’s opinion on public transportation.  It ain’t a pick-up truck…but it’s the next best thing!

P.S.  Geez. I actually used “ain’t” in the title of this post.  I hope Carol Perkins will forgive me.

Tash