In Brussels, clean trams and trains connected every part of the city, while in Munich, I rode the U-Bahn (short for Untergrundbahn or 'underground railway') daily and noticed how punctual everything was. Prague’s cobblestone streets made walking the best option, but trams still ran right beside centuries-old buildings. When I flew from Athens to Rome on Aegean Airlines, it amazed me how easy and affordable travel between countries is here compared to the United States. In Italy, I have learned to rely on public transportation for daily life, taking the metro to class and the bus back home. It is always crowded but surprisingly efficient, and using it makes me feel more connected to how locals move through their day.
At first, the traffic seemed wild with honking horns and scooters weaving between lanes, but after a while, it started to feel like organized chaos. Riding the metro feels fast-paced and full of energy, with people speaking every language imaginable. The bus rides are slower, but give a better view of local neighborhoods. Walking through Rome at night is my favorite; it feels peaceful, with streetlights reflecting off the ancient stones. Every mode of transportation has its own mood, with some loud and busy, and others calm and reflective.
Yes, transportation in Rome is very connected to the culture and environment. The city was built long before cars existed, so people have learned to adjust to its narrow streets and old layout.
