Friday, August 26, 2011

Israel's first tram in 3,000 years

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With the ride still free of charge and with kids still not back to school and many families on summer vacation, riding the new tram together has become the thing to do.

The lines of excited kids waiting at the stations remind me of cues for Attraction A rides at Disney World.
People still don't realize they should step back and let some passengers exit before rushing into the opening doors.
It is crowded and hot and stuffy inside.
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But . . . at least the shiny-clean ceiling is good for reflections for Weekend Reflections!


The train driver sits in splendid isolation behind glass doors in what is hopefully a cool and quiet cabin.
A security guard always stands nearby.
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We have completed the first week of light rail operation with no major mishaps, so the drivers must be doing a good job.
From this afternoon until tomorrow night is the Sabbath, so the trains and the drivers have a day of rest.

Shabbat shalom.

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19 comments:

  1. Our tramway also attracted a lot of people two years ago, when it was new. That's funny! But I never looked up to see if our ceiling is as reflecting as yours. next time, i'll have a look! :o)

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  2. When I was a child tram was my favorite kind of traffic. Still is. There is something very attracting in the way it rather silently moves, in wide big windows, in slow motion. Congrats to Jerusalem.

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  3. It requires some training to let people go out first :-) Well, I'm glad I live in a small town without these needs, but clearly I will try your tram. Your reflections are cool.

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  4. Wonderful reflections, Dina, especially in the first photo.
    — K

    Kay, Alberta, Canada
    An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel

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  5. tiens, à Jerusalem aussi les bus brillent par leur rareté... Fun !

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  6. I love trams, my favourite mode of public transport. They are largely silent, don't spew petrol into the air and can be air conditioned easily. Did you say where this tram is running?

    Hope the new trams go very well in Israel.

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  7. The tram ceiling creates such a wonderful distortion of subtle reflections! A fascinating perspective!

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  8. Friends, shalom! It's fun to read your feelings about trams.

    Irina, good point. It DOES seems like it moves silently and in slow motion!

    Helen, the route is from Mt. Herzl to the Central Bus Station, past the Old City Damascus Gate, through Shuafat, to Pisgat Ze'ev.
    A route map is here:
    http://jerusalemhillsdailyphoto.blogspot.com/2011/02/trams-in-training.html

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  9. First shot is fantastic, i love that :)

    http://brajasindia.blogspot.com

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  10. Wel it gives a good look on living today in Tel-Aviv and are you sure there wasn't a tram before 3000 years.

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  11. I like trams, and the Jerusalem ones are quite elegant.

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  12. That confirms it: we share the same tram in Jerusalem and Barcelona! Exactly the same.

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  13. Really clean and new like a space ship. :)

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  14. Shalom, Dina!!
    Free of charge!! How lucky!!!!!!

    Thanks for your visit and comment.
    And YES Moby Dick's a great film!!!!

    Regarding the post, it was written really quickly and I can't manage to translate it to English (no time!!!!!).

    It refers to a sailing event TOMORROW at river Tagus, during which we'll pay a tribute to Our Lady of Atalaia at her Sanctuary!!!!

    See you!!!!!!!!!

    Raquel

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  15. The first tram in 3,000 years. How exciting, better than caratram!

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  16. Voila - finally it's ready and operational! I remember you showing us the construction progress. Nice reflective photos! But where's the photo of the Jerusalem Hills CDP blogger on the tram? She's camera shy....

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  17. This tram is beautiful and will hopefully not be spoiled by graffiti like ours.
    Shalom, Dina!

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  18. I hate it when people rush inside trains, trams or metros without giving the people inside a chance to get out. I find this both inconsiderate and bloody stupid.

    Anyway, your tram looks absolutely beautiful and I can imagine that it's a big attraction. I understand it won't be free for long? I hope the price isn't too high.

    Fantastic ceiling reflections !

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