One of my favorite ways of getting around is just walking. I have experienced so much more of the city by foot than on the metro or bus. But to get to my school, which is 30 minutes away with class starting at eight a.m., I take the EMT buses. EMT buses and taxis have their own lane on the roads here. This makes traveling throughout the city a lot faster because you can skip all of the traffic.
Valencia has also been voted the most bike friendly city in Spain over the past few years, so bicycles are a very popular form of transportation here. Bikers get their own lane that is separate from the main road. Many younger locals can be seen rollerblading around the city-- a fun alternative to walking.
The transportation in Valencia reflects the city and the way of life of people living here. Everyone takes their time getting from place to place. People walk lesiurely down the sidewlaks and buses take their time loading and unloading at each stop. People often try to squeeze into the packed buses and metros because the next one won't arrive for ten or fifteen minutes. I've also noticed that people here are not used to as much personal space as Americans. Even if I'm the only person on the bus, I can guarantee when someone gets on at the next stop, they will sit right next to me. This way of life has grown on me over time and has given me the chance to have really great conversations with local business owners, moms, and students.
