Happy to be riding public transportation
Ten months ago I started a new job in downtown Stuttgart. I had already given up my car and I was happy not to have to drive into the congested city, chasing down a parking space every day. I recalled having lived in Berlin twenty years ago, before I ever even owned a car, and how easy it was to get around. I also recalled my “car” years in between when sitting in traffic was part of the deal. I have never been a relaxed driver. I am a relaxed rider!
Over the months I have observed some physical and mental changes that I attribute to my daily commute:
1. My leg muscles are more defined from climbing stairs daily. After about six months, I started noticing a change and I motivated to stick to this habit. Not only that, I am moving my body right away in the morning. It is not a substitute for exercise, but if feels good to really get my circulation pumping.
2. I read a lot more books. Because I have the time as I ride in. I do really well with non-fiction in the morning when my mind is fresh. The desire to keep reading after work means I read more at home too.
3. I am reminded daily that I am one of thousands of people who make their way through the city. Whether we are going to work, to school (public transportation moves the kids, too) or to the food bank (located on the line I take), it is humbling to be a part of the masses.
As annoying as it is to watch my connection pull away just as I reach the platform, or, worse, to not have any transportation due to a strike, I benefit from my daily commute personally and as a part of community.
Do you want to know more about traveling on public transport in Stuttgart? Let me know.