Uff... its a hard subject here. Well, just because there are 22 millions ppl living here. Of course there is a huge noise on the streets. Not only cars are using car horn all the time, but also there are many street musicians, trying to earn some money.
CARS
In many places the streets are one way – this is very comfortable actually. But only on main streets there are lines. Hardly anyone follow the Highway Code (yes, yes – they have one). If u want to change the line u do it, without indicating it. If there is red but u don’t see by car on the left or right, u drive. Many times, there are policemen on the big crossroads. He rules the street then ;) The traffic is enormous. Usually only between 10 – 14 the streets are more passable. Well, most of the youth are given a lift by parents, and students use they own cars. So imagine it… Being stuck in the traffic is the perfect time to read a book, newspaper or buy some sweets, or drinks sold usually by the children. But u have to be careful, as there are also many who wants to clean ur window, which actually turns to be more dirty afterwards. If u don’t say no quickly enough, they splash some liquid and then are waiting for some coins in return.
STREET LIGHTS for passer-by’s
They look very nice. As instead of green light there is an image of a person and above time left. When there are e.g. 60s, the image walk, but while the time is running down, the guy is also wlaking faster and finally begin to run :D Of course there are many but mainly in the centre. Apart from there... well, not necessary. There is a place to cross the street of course in other places, and u have to do it, when the cars from the side stop – they have lights. But generally passer-by’s cross wherever they want if only there is no car or bus.
TAXIS
Very cheap. The process start from 50 cents. They use it a lot. Of course there are cheaper and more expensive. I was told abt different divisions according to colour green and red. 1. Green – expensive because environment friendly. Red – cheaper. 2. Red – expensive – because saver. 3. with five doors – expensive and three doors – cheaper. BUT! At night taximeter doesn’t rule, so the prices are twice of the ones during the day.
BUSES
I doesn’t use them much, as u have to know a city very well to do it. They have only plaque with an arrival point. And on the bus stops there is no schedule or names of the bus stops between. What’s more, u can step in generally wherever u want, u only have to wave ur hand. That’s great! And the front doors are usually open, just in case :) The drivers are nice and drive as fast as possible. I use everyday, free ITAM bus. Very comfortable and yellow as in US!
METRO
Mostly, it’s a transport for lower class. If anyone think that a crowd in polish metro is crowded should come here. My first experience wasn’t very nice :/ First of all I was there at 7pm. – rush hours. Second of all, there was almost only men – all whistling and staring at any woman who turns up (next day I learned that there are different areas for women and men). To come in u don’t have to move much. U’r pushed in with the crowd. The same occur during going out. And the last thing is humidity. Only on the next station u feel, u’r wet and want to have a shower. I really feel compassion for the guys in suits, although there are not many of them in there… well, I use it at least twice a day, when going to the office :]
CARS
In many places the streets are one way – this is very comfortable actually. But only on main streets there are lines. Hardly anyone follow the Highway Code (yes, yes – they have one). If u want to change the line u do it, without indicating it. If there is red but u don’t see by car on the left or right, u drive. Many times, there are policemen on the big crossroads. He rules the street then ;) The traffic is enormous. Usually only between 10 – 14 the streets are more passable. Well, most of the youth are given a lift by parents, and students use they own cars. So imagine it… Being stuck in the traffic is the perfect time to read a book, newspaper or buy some sweets, or drinks sold usually by the children. But u have to be careful, as there are also many who wants to clean ur window, which actually turns to be more dirty afterwards. If u don’t say no quickly enough, they splash some liquid and then are waiting for some coins in return.
STREET LIGHTS for passer-by’s
They look very nice. As instead of green light there is an image of a person and above time left. When there are e.g. 60s, the image walk, but while the time is running down, the guy is also wlaking faster and finally begin to run :D Of course there are many but mainly in the centre. Apart from there... well, not necessary. There is a place to cross the street of course in other places, and u have to do it, when the cars from the side stop – they have lights. But generally passer-by’s cross wherever they want if only there is no car or bus.
TAXIS
Very cheap. The process start from 50 cents. They use it a lot. Of course there are cheaper and more expensive. I was told abt different divisions according to colour green and red. 1. Green – expensive because environment friendly. Red – cheaper. 2. Red – expensive – because saver. 3. with five doors – expensive and three doors – cheaper. BUT! At night taximeter doesn’t rule, so the prices are twice of the ones during the day.
BUSES
I doesn’t use them much, as u have to know a city very well to do it. They have only plaque with an arrival point. And on the bus stops there is no schedule or names of the bus stops between. What’s more, u can step in generally wherever u want, u only have to wave ur hand. That’s great! And the front doors are usually open, just in case :) The drivers are nice and drive as fast as possible. I use everyday, free ITAM bus. Very comfortable and yellow as in US!
METRO
Mostly, it’s a transport for lower class. If anyone think that a crowd in polish metro is crowded should come here. My first experience wasn’t very nice :/ First of all I was there at 7pm. – rush hours. Second of all, there was almost only men – all whistling and staring at any woman who turns up (next day I learned that there are different areas for women and men). To come in u don’t have to move much. U’r pushed in with the crowd. The same occur during going out. And the last thing is humidity. Only on the next station u feel, u’r wet and want to have a shower. I really feel compassion for the guys in suits, although there are not many of them in there… well, I use it at least twice a day, when going to the office :]
