Sustainable Transportation

Last weekend I went to a sustainable transportation conference focused on transportation in Spain and South America. Sustainable transportation is often described as “meeting or helping meet the mobility needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs” and typically focuses on ecological, social and economic factors. The conference focused on strategies and current projects to improve public transportation systems and walking and biking facilities in order to move people from cars to more sustainable modes of transportation. A focus for both Spain and South America was the need to reduce traffic congestion and motor vehicle emissions. The South American presentations also included information about the impact of transportation on economic development and safety. A high portion of the population in many South American countries can't afford cars and rely on other forms of transportation. However, these countries also often lack funds to provide high quality public transportation systems. There are a few success stories, such as the TransMilenio, a bus rapid transit system in Bogotá, Columbia and a bus rapid transit system in Curitiba, Brazil. These systems have been able to provide fast, reliable public transportation service to millions of residents and have provided a focus on pedestrian and biking spaces in the cities. However, in many cities without high quality public transportation, residents are switching to motorcycles or scooters. This has greatly increased the accident rate in many areas and also increases pollution. It is frustrating to see the need for more sustainable transportation systems and realize that funding is often a huge barrier. It was reassuring to meet other people focused on this issue and hopefully as problems such as rising fuel costs and global warming gain more attention, investments in sustainable transportation will increase.

GOBAMA!

I was able to vote using an overseas ballot that I sent off a few weeks ago. That was the first time I voted by mail instead of going to the polls. It was such a big election, of course I couldn't miss voting. The elections have actually been a common topic of conversation here. Most people here would be considered liberal by American standards. Everyone supports Obama, and I've even seen pro-Obama signs in store windows! Everyone (including me!) seemed happy and relieved that Obama won. I think more than that they are happy that Bush won't be president anymore and hopefully US-international relations will improve. Also, people were surprised (as was I)that there was actually a referendum to ban gay marriage in California. Personally I'm really disappointed that it passed. I guess we still have a ways to go to have universal acceptance and equality. Gays can legally marry here in Spain. As far as I know, Spain and the Netherlands are the only two countries in Europe that allow gay marriage. Also, I've talked to a few people about the proposition for better treatment of farm animals. This is still not a huge issue in Spain, although I think farm animals are treated better here in general. However, I think there is a growing trend among young progressive-types to buy organic/ecological foods. One of my roommates, for example, won't eat meat unless it is classified as ecological. Global warming is a common issue here, as it is across the world. But my friends here are surprised that some people in the US still don't believe global warming is really happening. Here it is typically accepted as a common fact. I've been happy to share my views on the elections and various issues with people here, and I hope I can help at least some people here realize that not all Americans are Bush-supporting, anti-gay conservatives. I'm very happy to see that many liberal, progressive ideas are accepted here and hope that those ideas will become more mainstream in the US as well!

Cadaquez

Jared came to visit! Having a visitor was a good excuse to see some sights that I haven't seen yet. We took a trip to Cadaquez, a small coastal town north of Barcelona. Dali had a house there where he spent many summers. The views in Cadaquez inspired many of his paintings. It was a relaxing trip, walking along the beach and eating great seafood.

Back in Barcelona we went to the going away party of my friend Ana. She's moving to Australia to work. She's the friend I've been hanging out with the most here, so I'm sad to see her go!

My roommates and coworkers never tire of teaching me Catalan traditions. One popular activity during the fall here is to go searching for setas (mushrooms). I still have yet to go, but my roommates went and brought back a good selection of setas. They were generous enough to share, and we all enjoyed a seta feast.