The Ways We Travel: Join My 365-Day Peaceful Photo Challenge
DAY 130. Curating peace through photos, with and without words.
January 9, 2025
Before I could return to the Rickenbacker Causeway to hike over the William M. Powell Bridge, a trip I only wanted to take by foot, I noticed I had been collecting photos of vehicles I sighted in Miami.
If they caught my eye, I tried to capture them — from the free and unmanned Metro Mover, the classic Excalibur, the expensive Lamborghini, and the Trolley, which is also free.
What could these varied forms of transportation want to tell me? What was their collective message?
After resting in my photo library for a few days, the photos began to speak:
The varied forms of transportation and their costs represent different aspects of life and reflect the diverse experiences, opportunities, and journeys we all have:
The free and driverless Metro Mover represents accessibility and autonomy in the modern world. For my sister, who has been stationed in Miami for three years and is carless there by choice, the Metro Mover provides access and convenience, increasing her sense of inclusivity and equality.
The classic Excalibur represents timelessness, elegance, and heritage. Appreciating her craftsmanship and artistry reminds me how important it is to preserve our culture and history.
The Lamborghini, at a $500,000 to $900,000 price tag (used), shouted luxury, status, and recognition and whispered to me a reminder to remain grounded and balanced and not be driven by material wealth.
I saw five Miami-Dade Trolleys within a 15-minute walk. Their free access, seeming frequency of service, and presence throughout the city declared community and connectivity.
As a public service and shared mode of transport, I thought the trolleys would bring people together, but I saw only one passenger in those five trolleys.
Initially, the time of day seemed responsible for the low ridership, but ongoing debates exist about the trolley service cost, long wait and travel times, and dwindling ridership.
The Trolleys were also a bit of history in an increasingly modernized Metro-Moving Miami. Both free transport forms reminded me of the need for opportunity and equity for everyone.
The Trolley and Excalibur urged me to treasure our history.
Revisiting the Lamborghini, I thought of the cost of medicine and medical treatment today that prices some people out of the care they need.
I envisioned a peaceful country and world with equitable metro-mover-style access to care- even if it costs a Lamborghini — for everyone.
How do you prefer to travel? How do these photos and reflections resonate with your own experiences and perspectives on life?