Transporting Legends

As a result of a certain recent adventure (more of that later), I started thinking about iconic transport around the globe. These methods of transport are instantly recognisable, even to those who have no geeky interest in them (I’m thinking about you here Mini, Beetle, London Tube train, Yellow Cab). They are as intrinsically linked and identified with a place as the Eiffel Tower is with Paris or the Statue of Liberty with Manhattan, even if they are actually somewhere else.

Time for some spotting.

Week 14 - Iconic Transport

Location 1 - Edinburgh

Admittedly, I was waiting for a bus in Edinburgh but wasn't expecting this one to pass by! I suspect there are not many things that scream 'London' more than this, even though it was somewhat further north than expected.

The good old Routemaster:

For me as a child these were ‘London’. I used to love riding around in these with my Nan and Pop exploring the capital when I stayed with them during the summer holidays. In fact, I loved these so much that, at age 4, I wanted to be a London bus driver when I grew up....

It’s a testament to their engineering that so many have survived and are now used as sightseeing vehicles, or for weddings and parties.

Location 2 - Edinburgh

The Land Rover.

These are not just loved but adored by many and have conquered the worlds' most inhospitable places, from African deserts to Chelsea.

This particular one was spotted on an early Sunday morning walk around Edinburgh and looks like it has plenty of stories to tell.

Location 3 - Sri Lanka

The Tuk Tuk.

Wikipedia says:

"An auto rickshaw is a motorized version of the pulled rickshaw or cycle rickshaw. Most have three wheels and do not tilt." — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auto_rickshaw

I beg to differ....

Ubiquitous across so many places in the world, these are built for short journeys, are cheap to run and simple to repair. They have 7 horsepower at best (my dishwasher has more power), gears seemed to be optional along with the windscreen wiper and you are the crumple zone. Definitely not the vehicle of choice to cross Sri Lanka.

And yet...

Meet 'Charlie' - our trusty steed to complete the Rickshaw Run Sri Lanka where the principle is largely ‘here’s a tuk tuk, get it to the finish line on time, by any route you fancy. Oh, and if it breaks (or you and your team do), you need to fix them.

Slow, noisy, somewhat cosy with 3+ luggage (although often seen with 6 in the back (or 12 kids) but hilariously good fun, tough and mercifully cheap and easy to fix. This is why they last so long.

Needless to say we loved Charlie and if he/she/it had been somewhat less smoky, might have imported back to the UK. Quite the way to cover 650kms.

Next Time: Stations

https://www.theadventurists.com/guides/rickshaw-run-sri-lanka/