Getting Around

     A lot of people have been asking me how I get around the city. I am very lucky because, for the most part, I can walk everywhere. My house is about a block away from the school. There is a gas station right across the street where I can buy phone minutes, water, and little snacks. There is a grocery store about a ten minute walk from home. The pool I go to is maybe 15 minutes away. There is a gym that is about 15 minutes away as well. There is even a mall that is only 5 minutes from the house which has some stores, a bar, places to eat, and a movie theater. There are many little restaurants around everywhere we go, so food is never a problem. The only downside to walking is the heat. The heat is not so bad when you are in the shade, but walking down the street feels so much hotter! Also, we have to be careful not to get hit by cars. Pedestrians do NOT have the right of way and cars won't stop for you to cross.

     Anywhere else that I go in Torreón is just a cheap taxi ride away. There is a larger mall that costs about 35 pesos to get to, the soccer stadium which is about 50 pesos, Walmart is about 15 pesos (way more expensive than the local shops though, so I don't go there), and several fun bars that cost around 20 pesos to get to. Taxis can be a little tricky. They drive down the street and honk their horns if they are available. It is never difficult to find a taxi. However, a lot of the "taxis" are old cars with people who are not official taxi drivers or painted cars to look like taxis. These people aren't necessarily dangerous, but they will try to charge you an outrageous amount because they don't have meters in their cars. It is a good idea to know about how much it will cost to get places before you take a cab. I have had a couple of drivers try and rip me off. Once I tell them that their price is not a fair price, they will accept a better offer.

     I have not taken the city buses anywhere. Most people I have talked to have said they are a hassle and very confusing. One day I will try to take the bus, just to see what it is like. The best and most convenient way to get around is, of course, make friends with Mexicans who have cars. Most of the friends I have made will drive us anywhere we need to go as long as they have time. They will take us out at night, drive us to the bus station, or help us find where we need to go. It is nice to be friends with the locals because they have our backs and make sure we don't go anywhere dangerous. Plus, it is the best way to practice Spanish!