Transport Around the World The Weird and Wonderful

Camels Camels are often used as forms of transportation in Asia and Africa. In some other countries, such as the United States, they are ridden in zoos for entertainment. In India, some kids ride camels to school, because it's a lot easier than walking. At many of the tourist sites in the desert regions of Egypt, you will see police mounted on camels. Camels can go days without water, and then fill back up in about 30 minutes. That’s why camels are so good for traveling in hot deserts and plains.

Elephants Today elephants are used for transportation in many places such as Africa, Thailand, and India. The elephant is the largest animal that lives on land. The elephant is the second tallest animal; the tallest animal is the giraffe. One unique thing about an elephant is that it is the only animal that uses its nose (called a trunk) as a way to move and grab things. Taking a ride on an elephant can be very tricky. Elephants are very tall so people need help getting up and getting down.  

SkyTrains   The first section of the SkyTrain system opened in December of 1999. The sky train is the fastest and cleanest way to get around the busy city of Bangkok, Thailand. The SkyTrain is useful in Bangkok because of the congestion and traffic problems. It's electric trains carry people above the city. It also is a cleaner and smoother way to get around the city. The sky train can transport up to 50,000 people per hour in one direction. This form of transportation can be found in other cities around the world.  For example, the city of Vancouver, Canada has a SkyTrain system in place. 

Gondolas This form of transportation is not unusual if you live in Venice, Italy. The gondola is one of the most photographed water vehicles in the world.  You can travel in two ways in Venice, by water or on foot! You can catch a water-bus or water-taxi, but the most exciting way to see the city is in gondola. There are long, narrow, black boats and the drivers use poles to move you along. It’s can be expensive, but it’s lovely way to see a beautiful city.

Rickshaw The rickshaw is a covered, two-wheeled cart that is pulled by people.  Rickshaws can have one or two riders.  Only two people can ride at one time, because people - mostly men - pull the rickshaw through the crowded streets.  The word 'rickshaw' comes from the Japanese word jinrikisha which means "human-powered vehicle." Today rickshaws are mainly used in Asia. This “Weird But Wonderful” mode of transportation was invented in Japan at the end of the 19th century. Now that’s some history!  

School Bus Did you know that the school bus is one of the safest forms of transportation today? A school bus is a large, painted vehicle that takes children to school and returns them to their homes in many countries throughout the world.  In the United States and Canada, most school buses are painted yellow. School buses are also very common in the United Kingdom, but they are not widely used in Europe. 

Yellow Taxi New York is an exciting city full of rich and famous people. It’s also well known for its bright yellow taxis! There are more than 12, 000 yellow taxis in New York City, so it’s easy to find one . You might also find a friendly, talkative driver. Perhaps, he will tell you about some of his famous passengers!

Where is this transport used?

Matching Egypt India Canada Venice Asia The United Kingdom New York a)Rickshaw d)Sky train g)School bus b) Camels e)Gondola c)Yellow taxi f)Elephants

Discus the questions Which form of transport do think is the most interesting? Why? Have you ever been on an unusual form of transport in your country? What? What other weird kinds of transport do you know/use?

Fill in the gaps Camels are often used as forms of transportation in Asia and America. The elephant is the second tallest animal in the world This form of transportation can be found in other cities around the world.  For example, the city of Vancouver, Canada has a Sky Train system in place.  You can catch a water-bus or water-taxi, but the most exciting way to see the city is in gondola. Today rickshaws are mainly used in Asia. In the United States and Canada, most school buses are painted yellow. New York is well known for its bright yellow taxis! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .