Ella Bicknell
Appearances
Global News Podcast
US says it's cautiously optimistic that a deal to end fighting in Gaza is within reach
Also in this podcast... The Constitutional Bridge. One of only four bridges spanning the Grand Canal. 25,000 people cross it every day.
Global News Podcast
US says it's cautiously optimistic that a deal to end fighting in Gaza is within reach
Getting off the train at Venice's Santa Lucia station, one of the first things you'll encounter is the Ponte della Costituzione, or the Constitutional Bridge. As one of only four bridges spanning the Grand Canal, 25,000 people cross it every day. With its glass and marble design, it was intended to blend modernity with Venice's historical architecture.
Global News Podcast
US says it's cautiously optimistic that a deal to end fighting in Gaza is within reach
However, locals struggled to embrace it from the very beginning. The bridge opened in 2008, five years behind schedule, and ended up doubling its budget, an eye-watering $12 million. Beyond its high cost, the bridge became notorious for its slippery glass steps. particularly in wet and icy conditions.
Global News Podcast
US says it's cautiously optimistic that a deal to end fighting in Gaza is within reach
More than 100 people have sued the city for the injuries it's caused, from cuts and scrapes to broken bones. For the city councils, the cost kept on climbing. After criticism over poor disability access, they spent $2 million installing a wheelchair lift. But the project was later abandoned when it overheated in hot weather and regularly broke down, often leaving tourists trapped inside.
Global News Podcast
US says it's cautiously optimistic that a deal to end fighting in Gaza is within reach
In 2019, the city took legal action against the bridge's main architect, Santiago Calatrava, fining him $80,000 for gross negligence. Other projects by the Spanish designer have also been criticised for prioritising aesthetic design over functionality and durability. That includes the Opera House and Aquarium in his home city of Valencia.
Global News Podcast
US says it's cautiously optimistic that a deal to end fighting in Gaza is within reach
Back in Venice, the city council planned to end their controversy once and for all, replacing 284 glass steps with a stone alternative. Unfortunately for those braving Venice's icy winter temperatures, wear good footwear and use the handrail, as the renovations won't be ready until later this spring.
Global News Podcast
Hundreds, possibly thousands, feared dead in Mayotte cyclone
Ella Bicknell reports. For the Maasai people, lions aren't just majestic animals. They're like them – strong, brave, strategic and formidable. In the past, to kill a lion was the ultimate display of maturity and widely celebrated. But by the early 2000s, when the Ambaseli lion population dropped to fewer than 20, it became clear that this cultural rite of passage was no longer sustainable.
Global News Podcast
Hundreds, possibly thousands, feared dead in Mayotte cyclone
The Maasai needed a new way to celebrate the athleticism of their youth – And with the Big Life Foundation, they started the Maasai Olympics, a biannual sporting event bringing together hundreds of their best athletes. The games include traditional hunting skills like throwing rungus, wooden clubs traditionally used by the community for defence against an attacking lion.
Global News Podcast
Hundreds, possibly thousands, feared dead in Mayotte cyclone
There are also running races and javelin throwing and, of course, the high jump. This is a tribute to the Udumu, a jumping dance, often performed during the initiation of young Maasai men into adulthood. One of this year's competitors, Stephen Masinde, who won the 5,000 metre contest.
Global News Podcast
Hundreds, possibly thousands, feared dead in Mayotte cyclone
This year, a quarter of participants are female. Samuel Kanki is the game's chief coordinator.
Global News Podcast
Hundreds, possibly thousands, feared dead in Mayotte cyclone
And one of this year's female competitors was 19-year-old Valentine Nisamoy.