Ponte, Puente, Tulay, Bridge

Golden Gate Bridge (Image from Microsoft clip art)

The Golden Gate bridge turned 75 years old last week and the city of San Francisco celebrated this event in a big way with a Historic Watercraft Parade, dance, music and local bands performing at Marina Green and Crissy Field, and a host of other activities culminating in a spectacular display of fireworks.

I remember when I first saw the Golden Gate bridge decades ago and how disappointed I was then to see that the bridge wasn't really golden at all but a strange orangey color. In fact, it is painted in the International Orange hue. I didn't understand why they called it Golden Gate then but after many years, I learned to appreciate the bridge as it is.

Suspension Bridge, Bohol

While I'm on the topic of bridges, I found this photo of a suspension bridge over the Loboc River from our trip to Bohol a few years back. It was scary to try to cross this narrow hanging bridge. It swayed quite a bit when I tried to walk a few feet across and I couldn't seem to keep my balance. But surefooted locals had no qualms forging the bridge in no time.

Drawbridge over the Amstel River, Amsterdam

Methinks there's a little bit of affinity between a hanging bridge and a drawbridge. When the drawbridge is raised, it's hanging for a time till it's lowered back to position. It's always fascinating to watch a drawbridge being raised to allow watercraft to pass through. This happens quite a bit in Amsterdam with its myriad waterways.

Puente de la Mujer, Buenos Aires

The Puente de la Mujer or Woman's Bridge is a footbridge in the Puerto Madero district in Buenos Aires. It is designed by the famous Spanish architect, Santiago Calatrava, who has made similar, aesthetically captivating bridges around the world. The Puente de la Mujer is like a harp and as such, plays beautiful music to our senses.

Ponte Vecchio, Firenze

The Ponte Vecchio or Old Bridge has been here since the Roman Empire. It was destroyed by flood in 1333 and rebuilt in 1345. It can be crowded on the bridge most times but I enjoy window shopping here where beautiful, expensive jewelry call my name. Someday, I whisper back!

Speaking of old bridges, I must mention the Ponte dei Sospiri or Bridge of Sighs in Venice. It connects the Doge's Palace and the prison where, according to legend, convicts or enemies of state were led to their sad fate. Hence, sighs! There's also another legend that's more upbeat and romantic. It says that lovers will live happily ever after if they kiss inside a gondola gliding under the bridge at sunset. No less?

View from Charles Bridge, Prague

Two bridges worth mentioning are Charles Bridge in Prague and Pont Saint Bénezet in Avignon, France. Charles Bridge has the best views of Hradcany Castle and lots of statues of saints to protect you along the way. The Pont Saint Bénezet spans less than half the Rhone river after it was repeatedly destroyed by floods since its construction between 1171 and 1185. It's quite a sight to behold.

And one more bridge I love is Monet's Japanese bridge in his garden in Giverny. Someday I hope to replicate it in my own waterlogged garden. What a dream!

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Images by Charie except as otherwise indicated

The Fairy Tale Town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Rothenburg ob der Tauber has been on my travel bucket list for years. And I finally got there last November. It is an enchanting place. With its half-timbered houses, clock towers, colorful façades, schneeballs and beer steins, Rothenburg ODT oozes with medieval charm. It's no surprise that Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I was partially filmed in Rothenburg ODT. This is a common dilemma in Rothenburg ODT. Which direction to take? It's hard to choose because every cobblestone street seems to be competing for the best dressed street award. And they are all winners in my book. After walking half a day, an inviting table for two with colorful flowers to warm a cold November day. I love how these two half-timbered buildings anchor a street that leads to another intriguing square. The Plönlein (Little Square) is the most photographed square in Rothenburg ODT. But I found more picturesque neighborhoods than this. That's ...

Midnight in Paris Movie Locations

It's not often I watch a movie but on a long flight home late last year, I had the chance to watch Midnight in Paris and was totally captivated by its plot. Can you imagine time traveling to the era of Fitzgerald and Hemingway, Picasso and Dali, Gauguin and Toulouse Lautrec? It was therefore such a treat to be in Paris and be able to see a couple of the locations from the movie. Had so much fun figuring out where the Peugeot came from to pick up Gil (Owen Wilson) and take him back to the Jazz Age. Rue Galande Rue Galande is a narrow street lined with boutiques with engaging window displays. Notice the giant flea sculpture above one of the shops. This location was shown at the beginning of the film. Interestingly enough, Rue Galande is a stone's throw from the bouquinistes along the Seine and across from the Cathedrale de Notre Dame de Paris. The Steps of St. Etienne du Mont This is where Gil was sitting, a little disoriented, when the Pe...

Casapueblo and Carlos Páez Vilaró

Casapueblo, Punta Ballena Just a few minutes from the popular beach destination of Punta del Este is Casapueblo which sits on the edge of a hill overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. If you're staying at the hotel, then you're in for a big treat. Imagine the view of the blue ocean made more dazzling by the sun. But that's not all. There's also an art gallery and museum next door which displays the artistic works of Carlos Páez Vilaró who also designed Casapueblo, his permanent home and studio. Casapueblo reminds one of the Greek isles at first glimpse. But it isn't that simple. Look closely and you'll find the influence of Gaudi in the architecture which Vilaró himself built with no plans. There are no straight lines. The interior has many passages and narrow stairs leading to enchanting rooms, everyone of which is different from the other. Notice the curving lines and the rooftops with their pointed concrete posts. Vilaró liked his house to a hornero's (ovenbird...

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