Here in Mainz, I have enjoyed taking the trams, buses and, when needed, the trains. There is this thing here, though, where sometimes the said departures never show up or they will be super late or early, which can make it difficult to plan accordingly. If you talk to a German, they absolutely despise this, but I am just thankful for what I can get. I have also found myself walking a lot more than I ever would in the US. Back home, it is common for people to get into their cars even if their destination is 3 minutes away. Here, I have noticed that even people with a car will often choose to walk or ride their bicycles instead. This was really eye-opening for me! I have come to appreciate this way of life because it encourages me and others to stay active and make walking and biking a part of their everyday routine. It has also made me realize how much I enjoy slowing down, exploring my surroundings, and exploring a city on foot.
I think the way people get around in Germany is closely connected to the culture and environment. Many cities are designed to make walking, biking and using public transportation convenient. Instead of needing a car to get everywhere, people can easily reach grocery stores, schools, restaurants and other cool places using different forms of transportation. I also think this lifestyle helps people stay active while reducing the number of cars on the road, which can help lead to a better environment.
