Tram Series

One of my favorite forms of transportation is the tram. This is because no matter how busy a city is, a tram has its own lane with rails, is dependable, and usually has an adorable slightly vintage appearance to it. We grew up taking trams in Prague and in Vienna, and they are a staple of many big cities in Europe and beyond.

I decided to take a few days to paint my favorite trams I know of— ones I have memories taking, and ones that may mean something to others as well.

Tram 28 in Lisbon, Portugal

Granted, my memory of Portugal is a little fuzzy. I went there on my senior trip in high school (casual) so it’s been a hot minute. However, Lisbon was a rustic and magical place with great public transport. We had some of the best ice creams of our lives, wandered the quaint city streets, and stayed in a warm and friendly hostel.

The 22 Tram in Prague, Czech Republic

This tram bears even more significance for me because this tram led to the house of my now-husband and some. of my best friends. This tram started at Malostranska and went into the suburbs, where we went to the park, rollerbladed, and went to friends’ houses. We have many memories of conversations and funny moments on this tram.

Galatasaray Tram in Istanbul, Turkey

Obviously, because I lived in Turkey for five years, this tram is of deep significance. This may be the most historically significant. I thought painting this piece in the winter would be even more telling and whimsical because it is such a busy and foggy street, to begin with. Though I have never ridden in this tram (it is more of a tourist experience), hearing the little “ding ding” as it warns pedestrians of its approaching and seeing kids hang onto the back as it travels up and down the wide street are things that are engraved into my memory forever.

Nostalgic tram ride up and down İstiklal Caddesi

Who knows… I may do more of these. For now, this. is the series of nostalgic trams, but I would be interested in hearing from followers— what are your favorite trams?