Basically getting around in Sao Paulo is a bid frustrating. There is heavy traffic from around 7 to 10 AM and from 5 to 8 PM. Unfortunately outside these periods there is still traffic. Much better it is during weekends, public holidays, school holidays and of course very late at night and early in the morning. Of course on foot is ok too. Though wearing a suit traveling on foot is most of the time and for most of the places not the greatest idea.
BY BUS
Busses are all over the place. You almost get everywhere you want to and sometimes also somewhere you do not want to. That means you easily can pick the wrong bus, which might take you to a not so friendly area. So if you are not fully certain make sure to ask the guy selling the tickets in the bus if that bus is really going to the right destination. You also can ask that guy to tell you when to step out. No worries, he will shout through the whole bus. You will hear him wherever you stand. The challenge will be that the ticket guy doesn't speak english, but Brazilians are very very helpful. If you right down your final destination you won't have misunderstandings and it will work out. It is also quite a challenge to get somewhere on time. Busses pass by with a rather high frequency, but sometimes there are some bigger breaks in-between. Once I waited for u bus for ½ hour and when he showed up, he did not stop because the bus was already packed. Also make very sure to recognize well in advance when your bus is about to approach and give a clear sign that you want him to stop. Bus drivers generally only stop if there is someone who wants to board. The best way to get around with busses is to check on google maps (route planning). All the busses are indicated including bus numbers. Note this number, street and street number. Go to the bus stop as shown on google maps, check at the bus stop if the bus number you need is listed. When you get closer to your final destination, make sure you know which street you are in by reading the road sign. Then follow the street numbers and press the button to stop when you get close to your number. Street names and street numbers /house numbers are very easy to read (much better than in Switzerland). It all might sound a bid complicated and challenging but the good news is, after gaining a bid of experience I find it quite fun to travel by bus and with a bid of gut feeling I even manage to get where I want on time.
P.S: reading in the bus is ok, but do not try to write. No chance at all. It is bumpy like hell;-)
to be continued...
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