It is nice that people are finding ways to be outside or get some exercise on their way to school or work. I've noticed that some tourists take little trucks called Tuk-Tuks to get around. But on a daily basis, most Lisboetas (people who live in Lisbon) take the metro or bus to get to and from home.
When I first arrived in Lisbon, I did not know which bus or metro lines to take. I had to use a map or ask people for directions to make sure that I was going in the right direction. At times I felt confused, and at the end of the day, I was very tired from walking around so much. But once I started to establish a routine here, I knew which metro stops would get me the closest to class or where I had a meeting. I learned a lot from trial and error and just wandering around Lisbon. Sometimes I felt frustrated when I got lost, but I tried to think of it as an adventure. Now, I still try to discover a new street every single day. It is exciting to see something new like a pretty building or smell the freshly baked bread from a local padaria (bakery). I also love taking the metro and bus because it is very convenient and I can read a book or listen to music on the ride. Now, since I know the city layout well, I can even answer people’s questions and give them directions! I do not need a map anymore–now it is all in my head.
Since the weather in Portugal is typically sunny and warm, people are used to walking as much as they can. Often, I see people walking around in the neighborhood greeting each other as they pass cafes or even when grocery shopping.
