Geneigte Leser,
Wieder einmal ist es an der Zeit euch etwas ueber eine fremde Kultur beizubringen und ein wenig den Schleier der Ignoranz zu lueften. Mir ist durchaus bewusst, dass ich noch ueber meine Leave should work, but I will on occasion do, do not worry.
But today I would like to introduce you to a different theme: The public bus system
It may seem trivial to you, to address this seemingly unimportant aspect of its own report, but believe me, it's worth it. I'm starting
best in the fundamental structure of the bus system here and compare them with those in Germany. You all know how it runs in our home: It has been at the bus a table that shows exactly which line departs when and in what place she will be in due course. In my neighborhood, you know, I live more rural, continue the next day about three to four buses, bring me to the nearest big town. Accordingly, it is important to plan as to the exact minute, how do I get the time to stop. Boarding, then berappt first time and thanks to the rising oil prices not too tight. For this I can then comfortably on a padded, though nauseous dusty seat settle first and daydreaming let your soul.
This was Germany.
is now an end of it. We are here in South America, my friends. Zack Zack, I say just because! Since I am living in the capital Asuncion, other parameters are considered safe again for the great rest of Paraguay. However, it is very memorable, as here, the rabbit runs. It constantly go
everywhere and buses. They drive very fast, they go very loud and they drive very safely without a catalyst. Would like you to dress up for carnival, for example, as African-Americans, one need only ask once just before the exhaust of one of those brassy behemoths.
There are at least 50 different lines, which are also often on the road, not only in Asuncion, but most operate in other nearby suburbs. It is also interesting that it is nowhere specified, or when driving especially WHERE which line actually. Because of this lack of information, I am the first month and complete without the use of a coming out "colectivos". Since I now, but about 15 minutes bus ride from my place of work I live, I decided, then it regularly to take the bus. It was fascinating!
But of more equal. When I asked Carlito, my colleagues, as he had since learned, he said, grinning: "Tenes que probar" (Had to try to stop!). Actually I'm already frequently been skipped in the middle of my trip (not increased!) Because the bus ride suddenly took an unusual turn. Once the bus has even gaendert 10m after just the initial direction of travel by 180 degrees. Not wanting to look like a fool, I drove about 30 seconds with sitting quietly. After that I had then the same way to the bus stop to go again. I've seen it but I left. Just like everyone else. Brings exciting containing just nothing!
If you intend now to take advantage of public transportation for themselves, we follow the best follows: first
On a street corner to wait and ask. If you stand in the middle of a block, it may well be that the driver punish this kind of immorality with passing.
second Right line to wait. If you know which goes where the battle is already half won.
third Bus arrives -> arm, leg or other extremity stretch to signal that one would like a ride. This should be done on time and above all clear. To be fair, I must say that the bus driver to stop but really, whenever they see a potential passenger.
4. Jump up! Exactly! In the sense of getting up the ass. In contrast to German lands keep coaches here did not participate, but only drive a little slower. He usually goes once you're already going in the door. Even in older people he holds most not completely.
5th . Pay Every journey, no matter where, always costs the same fixed price: 2100 Guarani. They are the equivalent of 30 cents. Only if you drive into a town several miles away, during the trip will be charged. But even after Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro, which is several hours away, you pay no more than 35 €.
The type of payment is also quite interesting. You should change have already counts down the best hand to quickly to get a seat before the bus starts to accelerate mercilessly. If required, but you will also change, the show digs the bus driver during the trip leisurely from his office. Under the slogan "Coal is paramount," he counts his earnings initially, before the oncoming traffic to take note.
6th Sit down. My favorite part. For most coaches that I use there is always such a stupid hub, that's happening as I know, probably the passengers. It is very narrow, unlike me. Since the rest I usually carry a backpack with me, I have to pinch myself often.
is the approximate flow. Funny is also frequently in a public bus to enter and to know that almost all the heads under this major types with blonde Iro turn, which is about as Paraguayan as the North American super bowl. Meanwhile, I've got used me but left turn and take.
happens often is that all seats are occupied and we must stand. That makes me in itself, from nothing, I am happy and we can cushion the motion of the colectivos much better. There are also possibilities and holding everywhere here by my above average size, I'm here from the various Koerpergeruechen slightly safer, since my nose is literally above it all. The only bother me in the crowded problems of dropping out. At first I had no Know how people do that really. They stood close together and urged the goal is getting closer. As
then once climbed panic in me, I wanted to get up with a casual "permiso" (sorry). To my dismay I saw that one for me did not go out of their way. Oh great! I then pushes through and finally did, got up already halfway to reaching for the ceiling-mounted handle, when the bus was suddenly faster and I was thrown back. Luckily, my backside was held back pending the face of a woman who was sitting next to me. Stabilized so I sat on my way. As a precaution I then pushed me quickly through the crowd to possible consequences to escape. I think she called me angry little behind, but at this point, I was glad for the first time that my English is not so good.
Also of note are the illustrious figures who come in regular intervals in the colectivos to the naive passengers to reel off their money out of the ribs. Most of them are small children with a significantly darker skin color than the average Paraguayans. Your stronger pigmented complexion distinguishes them from mestizos and assigns them as members of the ever sold Guarani Indians. They usually go around with small printed cards, which they then distribute and demanding money for it. Sometimes I also had the misfortune to begin to sing them. Even has a boy in the empty seat in front of me knelt and stared at myself and I sang in a completely foreign language. As bad as he croaked, I can only assume that he simply wanted erschnorren a free passage.
Sometimes the seller but also very entertaining and skillfully play sax, pan flute and guitar. They are then even a small donation value.
, more and resellers with drinks, chewing gum, or come and hair clips, which come across a few willing buyers.
you hold the bus on the way, by pulling on a string to the ceiling or pressing a button at the output. Just last week, but once these mechanisms functioned not. Luckily, someone whistled loudly and the bus came to be.
Erzaehlenswert is that I once because I had sat front and rear urged as many people closely, wanted to get through the first steps of the bus. To this end I really had to jump over the turnstile before. I just came from the gym and was still really pumped up and wanted to again make a cool finish. So I got up, held me firmly on the bracket above me and pulled me up. That part worked well. Then I swung myself forward and unfortunately overestimate my strength, sodas, I was thrown almost flying forward. When I joined I think traffic still on the toe of an elderly lady and also hung with a ribbon on my backpack fixed hub. When I finally was entirely at the door, saw I know that I had forgotten to pull the cord and came from there not more to it. The lady behind me I better not ask for help. So I had to wait until the car finally stopped and ashamed off. But anyway, I'll continue to hone my technique and molt myself to the absolute Busexperten!
Until next week, her pop Koeppe!
leave me more comments! Not only Lars! ;-)
