Getting Around European Style

Ever since the young age of 16, I have always enjoyed the freedom and relaxation that driving gives me. Many people would disagree with me, but there is nothing more soothing than blasting your music while you mindlessly run errands around town. I thought when I went to Europe, I would miss those moments because they were times when my introverted self got some alone time.

At first, public transportation in Brussels was confusing. It was challenging to decipher the french names, numbers, and colors from each other, and the symbols indicating what type of vehicle you should take were way too similar. It took me a few time-wasting mistakes to get the hang of everything, and a few mornings, I had to walk a half-mile to work because I would get off at the wrong stops.

All that being said, I would choose Brussels transportation over American any day. I loved the feeling of waiting at the bus stops in the morning; I could get a little bit of fresh air before being in an office all day. Just like in my car, I would put my headphones in and blast my music, drowning out the hustle around me. Sometimes I chose to read a book; other days, I would stare out the window.

I like people watching, and it was fun guessing what each person was setting out to do or who they were expecting to see. I always loved watching children on the buses because they were so confident. Part of me envied them because they have independence so young. They can travel across the city on their own, and I am sure it makes them mature faster.

When I came back to the states, I realized how sustainable I was living in Brussels. Aside from using reusable grocery backs and following the rigorous recycling system, I am sure my carbon footprint was cut in half from public transportation.

It wasn't even the public transportation that I preferred more, I liked just walking. It was not always the most efficient way to get from point A to B, but it helped me slow down. People were not rushing around me. I was able to stroll around my new city and see parts of it that I would miss on public transport.

The only downsides or inconveniences I had were the timing and sometimes unfavorable weather. There was nothing more painful than running ten minutes behind schedule and watching your bus pull away. A couple of times, the driver even closed the door on me and drove away. It always seemed like the days I didn't have any rain protection, I was stuck waiting at an uncovered bus stop for ten minutes. It was also peculiar that sometimes the buses would even show up, and there would be no indication as to why a stop was skipped.

Now that I am back in the states, I am happy to have my car (as if public transportation is even an option in suburban Atlanta). However, I would go back to my buses, trams, and trains any day.

Kendall Gilcrease