Transportation

I don't have too much to report this week. We're doing well. It's hard

here, because there are so many people how just don't want to hear

from us. We spend lots of time trying to talk with people in the

streets and giving up our greatest people to other areas. But it's

okay. We keep working! I hope that everyone's doing well!

I think that today I'm going to talk a little bit about how

transportation is here in Brazil. First of all, you've never seen more

aggresive drivers in your life. Maybe in like India or something, but

still it would be hard. Cars are super expensive here. It's rare as it

is to see families with two cars. It's even rarer still to find a car

to buy that comes with everything. Most cars here are sold without a

sound system, AC and heating, and automatic shifting. The cars here

generally are simpler and cheaper. But they're still supppper

expensive for import taxes reasons. Buttttt, I did see a sweet new

Audi R8 the other day in front of the Applebee's in our area, so there

are at least a few people with lots of money. There are tons of

motorcycles here as well, because they're cheaper. Some people take a

taxi, or even a motorcycle taxi. Others walk (like us) or ride a bike.

But the biggest is public transportation. The capital has a large

subway/train system running that is super sweet. I loved taking the

train every week at the beginning of my mission. So cool! Buses are

even bigger however. Every city has an extensive bus system, including

bus terminals. You can buy a rechargable card that you pass to ride

the bus. They even have deals where you only pay once in a certain

time period, and the other buses you take are free. It's great! It's

also crowded. Not exactly fun, especially without air conditioning.

You can take the bus and get to whatever part of the city you want.

You can also take the bus between cities. The bigger cities all have

long distance bus terminals. Many people come here by bus from the

other side of the country even. And man, those long distance bus rides

are COMFORTABLE. The seats are super good. A lot better than a typical

charter bus. With knowledge of the bus and train system, you cen get

anywhere in Brazil. But you're sacrifice personal space, and probably

money as well. The train is the worst!

I've got to go. Love everyone lots!! Have a good week!

Elder Ashford