Autobuses!

Thought I would talk about how much I enjoy the buses down here. Unlike buses systems in the U.S. the buses down here are unpredictable and crazy. Bus stops are not official, if you want a bus you go out to a main road and stick your arm out to hail one. Only in front of large establishments, such as malls or Universities, are there legitimate bus stops. The bus drivers will stop for just about anyone at anytime, regardless of traffic. Conversely however, the bus drivers also reserve the right to not stop for you if you fail to assert yourself, or if they can't navigate across traffic lanes to get to your stop. There is no bus schedule, to get somewhere you just have to wait. Once inside the bus the adventure really begins. It only cost 5 pesos to ride the bus, equivalent to a little less than 50 cents. The bus drivers barely stop before lurching forward again. Most times I end up slamming into the nearest seat in order not to fall. The buses themselves range in all different sizes. Most of them are pretty old machines, with loud engines and most are stick shift. Some buses seat no more than 10 people, others as many as 30, depending on your route. If you're lucky you might get a fun driver who has decorated the interior of his bus with patriotic Mexico paraphernalia and images of Mary and Jesus. Or the bus driver who enjoys to play music nice and loud. Yesterday we rode a bus with a driver like this, he played a enjoyable array of Reggeaton, banda and popular Mexican songs throughout our journey. Or there are drivers, such as the driver of the bus we took today, who tip begers at stop lights, and stop to honk for a street vendor to run over and give him a sandwich. The buses may not be safe nor predictable, but as long as you don't have a tight schedule they'll get you there eventually. Every bus ride is like an amusement ride. Thus why I have come to enjoy the buses of Puebla.