Planes, trains, buses, taxis, boats, or walking on foot. The future- the sustainable growth of individual nations and decent, desirable jobs goes hand in hand with adequate transportation. Across the world, exemplified by three snapshots of life across the globe in England, Morocco and Italy, people use different ways to get around. The ways people get to where they are going and participate in the workforce has both similarities and differences with each other across the three countries. 

While analyzing the types of jobs, industries, and interests of the different people of Morocco, England, and Italy may have, one might fall into the trap of boxing these nations into a few defining traits (oftentimes based on our own biases and worldview). For instance, England has been associated with sports, it is true to say the Brits take soccer (football as they would insist you call it!) very seriously, but as the World Cup just illustrated, Morocco has pretty skilled players as well! Venice in Italy may be immediately associated with its Gondolas and public canals, but London also has a beautiful way to explore the city — from its big red buses! The jobs that we associate with one specific country may seem distinct and dissimilar, but are actually more in common than one might think. 

Transport is the lifeblood of communities that connects people together. As people embark on their journey to their various destinations, their access to transport influences where they work (i.e. Is there infrastructure to commute this long of a distance? Is it safe to travel to this location? How long will it take?) along with other factors. As countries around the globe push towards decent work and economic growth, the need for access to adequate transport becomes even more so important to the cultivation of sustainable communities. Through observation of modes of transport, as well as important international events like the World Cup, we can begin to map out a global web of commonalities.  

 

Water transportation has played a vital role in the history of Venice for centuries. Located in northeastern Italy, Venice is a city built on a series of islands in the Venetian Lagoon, connected by a network of canals and waterways. This unique location has made water transportation an essential part of the city’s history and culture.

The first recorded mention of a boat in Venice dates back to the 11th century, when the city was still a small trading and fishing village. Over time, as the city grew and became a major center of trade and commerce, water transportation became increasingly important. Boats were used to transport goods and people throughout the city and to and from the surrounding region.

One of the most iconic and recognizable symbols of Venice is the gondola, a long, narrow, flat-bottomed boat that is propelled by a single oarsman standing at the stern. Gondolas were originally used as a practical means of transportation, particularly for transporting goods and people through the narrow canals of the city. Over time, however, gondolas have become more associated with leisure and tourism.

The importance of water transportation in Venice cannot be overstated. From the early days of the city’s history to the present day, boats have played a crucial role in the daily lives of Venetians and tourists alike. Whether it’s gondolas providing a unique and picturesque way to see the city, water taxis offering a convenient way to get around, vaporetti serving as a form of public transport, or traghetti connecting the city’s islands to the mainland, the boats of Venice are an integral part of the city’s culture and history.

Morocco made history this year being the first Arab and African country to make it to the World Cup semi-finals. These victories came at a unique time, higher unemployment rates than pre-Covid and less access to decent work in Morocco continues. While one of our group members walked the streets of Rabat during the celebrations, she was met with the numerous Moroccan vendors selling patriotic symbols: flags, jerseys, hats, and even horns. The Atlas Lions have pledged to donate their earnings to charities within Morocco with hopes that this along with worldwide recognition of Morocco can lead to more economic growth/opportunities within the country. 

 

The iconic black cab and big red bus in their natural habitat- the streets of london. But these ones are different. The cab’s usually somber black paint has been covered in favor of a bright blue ad that wraps around the entire car, encouraging the viewer to visit Orlando, Florida. The usually red bus has been given the same treatment, in this instance wrapped in bright pink  with a figure plastered across the side, advertising a new season of the hit reality show Below Deck. How ironic these two ads interact with each other, one recommending tourists flock to Florida, another encouraging viewers to binge reality television (about the consequences of the tourism industry!), both activities are a kind of escape. Sitting in the interior of these vehicles will take a passenger somewhere they want to go in the city, yet the exterior speaks of something else. Imagine being out in the streets of one of the most interesting cities in the world, and their iconic modes of public transportation are telling you all the ways to leave?