Here in Brazil, people travel in many different ways. Since Pato Branco is a small city, many people here choose to walk to arrive at their destination. Walking saves them money. They don't need to hire a taxi, pay bus fare or use up the gasoline in their car. A bus ride costs about 3 reais, which is less than a dollar. A taxi can cost as much as 20 reais, which is about five dollars! Other people own cars, like my host family. However, they try not to drive more than they need to so they can save money on gasoline. If a destination is close by, people choose to walk.
In our small city, many stores and businesses are close to houses and apartment buildings, so people can just walk to their destination. Even small neighborhoods, like mine, are only a 15-minute walk from a restaurant, bus stop or grocery store. Everyone who does not have a car walks somewhere during the week. When it is very sunny, people carry umbrellas to keep the strong UV rays from burning their skin. People even walk to the grocery store. They buy what they need, and carry it in bags back to their neighborhood. They might need to climb up steep hills or avoid broken parts of the sidewalk, but the trip is good exercise.
