Public transportation in Spain has carried me far and wide throughout this country. Hopping from train to train to reach the southern tip of Andalusia. Catching an overnight bus to save on cash to and from Barcelona. Jumping on a trolley to see the sights more quickly and efficiently in a city. Riding on the metro to get from point A to point B. I've even rented a bike from time to time to add to the experience of seeing a town not on four wheels but on two. Never have I ever felt scared or worried while taking public transportation here. What you should be mindful though is to never ride in the front seat. If you do, try to avoid looking out the front window.
During my time here, I have not "gotten behind the wheel" as they would say. I made it part of my bucket list to attempt at renting a car but I have changed my mind on that part seeing as I have been sat up front in a Spanish vehicle. What I have seen from the front seat does not mean to say that Spanish drivers are reckless or dangerous. Rather, I have never seen someone park a car so well in such small spaces and then actually be able to back themselves out again. So instead, they are, perhaps, just a bit more daring than I am as drivers.
Take for example this weekend when I went hiking with some other people. We took a car to get there and I was graciously given the front seat. I honestly think I would have preferred the back. While zooming around tight curves on narrow streets with cows and goats strolling along the side of the road, I unconsciously grabbed the handle on the door to steady myself.
That one quick moment did not fool anyone. The driver saw right through me. "Are you scared?" she asked.
"No. No. I'm fine, really." Okay, so I lied, big deal.
Actually it was. We continued on like normal. Or, at least, as normal as can be. We skimmed corners, avoided stop signs, sped up past yellow lights (and sometimes red), and passed cars in no-passing zones. That's when I grabbed the door handle once again. And again, the driver asked me, "Are you scared?"
"Maybe a little," I told the truth this time.
And the truth is, from then on, I avoided looking out the front window. I braced myself against the speed bumps, tight turns, and sudden stops. Despite the bumpy ride, all I can say is that the Spanish are very daring people. Daring in the sense that they will hike six hours with you in a day. Daring in the sense that they open themselves towards foreigners and other cultures. Daring in the sense that some here fear nothing while driving a car.
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