We seem to be lucky enough to live in one of the few places in the world where it is easier to catch public transport than to drive. The public transit is not always perfect – sometimes trains are late, metros stop due to signal failure, and buses are so crowded you have to stand. The one-day train strike brought Belgium to a halt, paralyzing a major method of transit between the cities and adjacent countries.

Usually, however, the public transport is amazingly easy. We deliberately chose an apartment that is next to a supermarket, seconds from a metro and minutes from a train station. It is just so easy to get around. I simply look at a map of our destination to find the closest metro station, and then plunge down into the network and then pop up again when I have arrived. On the weekends we can wander down to the station to find a train that will take us to a new city for a quick day-trip.

At lunch time I hear my colleagues complain about having to drive to work. If there is an accident or snow, then it can take up to three hours each way. There are heated arguments over which road rules apply and which ones are only guidelines. Even at our table there is little consensus about giving way to cyclists or how to merge two lanes. I have been told that it is generally custom and habit that determines who gets right of way at an intersection, rather than the posted signs.

It is such a relief not to have to worry about parking, or cars, or speeding, or petrol prices. I carry a monthly pass in my wallet that gives me unlimited rides on all buses, trams, and metros within the city. It is like I have a legion of carriages waiting to take me to my destination. The even put the metro stations underground so that I don’t get cold while waiting the few minutes before my chariot arrives.

Photo by Hannes De Geest