Very early last Thursday, Elder Christensen and Arizola accompanied us on our first bus ride to Curitiba. We were glad they did, because the instructions and maps that were given us didn't prepare us for the experience. It was crazy! We had to change busses 3 times over and 3 times back, to get to the Federal Police Headquarters in Curitiba to register and have our finger prints taken for Brazilian ID's. The picture to the left is of the beautiful sunrise that morning, and the single Paraná Pine tree (what looks like a second tree is a power line) that stands near our church. Here's an excerpt from our Mission Journal for that trip: There were so many people, since the busline workers were on strike and not charging any fare. Dennis had to stand the whole way, straining not to bump into others. Even when I was sitting, I had to hold on with both hands and bracing with both feet, just to stay in my seat, as the bus driver drove through the curvy mountain roads and made such jolting starts, stops and braking. While I was standing, bracing myself with a wide stance and both hands on bars, the bus braked hard. I lost my balance and literally fell all over a man that was seated below me. "Descupa-me!! Sinto muito!!" I cried as I stood back up, sooo embarrassed. The man quickly offered me his seat, which I just as quickly accepted his offer and sat down, humiliated. In Brazil, most people feel very strongly about giving seniors special care. They usually offer their seats to seniors and often do not charge them fees for services. Thinking about that, I suddenly thought, "Oh, now I get it!" The real reason they offer their seats to seniors, is that on these wild rides, everyone is safer if the seniors are seated, because seniors will probably fall. I guess I must accept the inevitable: I am a "Senior." Wait! Dennis didn't fall...does that mean that he's not a Senior?
Curitiba is known world-wide for it's huge, efficient bus system. Within the city, they have triple-sized busses, that are connected by accordion-like extensions. When the buss is crammed with people, it's a real thrill to stand in those extensions and feel the floor and the walls move at every turn. Pictures below are of bus terminals, extended busses, and accordion extensions.
Curitiba is known world-wide for it's huge, efficient bus system. Within the city, they have triple-sized busses, that are connected by accordion-like extensions. When the buss is crammed with people, it's a real thrill to stand in those extensions and feel the floor and the walls move at every turn. Pictures below are of bus terminals, extended busses, and accordion extensions.