Bridges
Apparently my wanderlust has a penchant for bridged cities. Clearly I’m drawn to the places that flaunt these magical structures. Pittsburgh and Paris are both known for their bridges.
Pittsburgh is affectionately known as the city of bridges. With approximately 446 bridges it is often said to have the most overwater bridges in the world. Whether that is indeed true is a disputed fact, but it is still known as the city of bridges and my hometown. The bridges in Pittsburgh are not only beautiful, some are even quite famous. There’s the well known 3 sisters bridges near our house that we often cross either by foot, car or bike to get into to the city. The 3 sisters is the only trio of identical bridges in the world and are dedicated to 3 Pittsburgh and national legends. Roberto Clemente, a famous baseball player. Rachel Carson, a marine biologist and conservationist. And Andy Warhol, a legendary artist and pop icon. There is also the famous Smithfield bridge that was designed by John Roebling whom later designed the Brooklyn Bridge in New York. There are far too many to name though.
Paris is known for her bridges as well. Some are so hauntingly beautiful that they are works of art unto themselves. There are 37 bridges and footbridges that span the Seine that connect the left and right banks. There is the Pont Alexandre III and Pont Marie. The Pont Neuf and the Pont de l’Alma where princess Diana met her tragic fate. The later has become a tourist attraction for that very dark reason.
If there is such a thing as a favorite bridge I suppose I would choose one in each of my cities. My favorite bridge in Pittsburgh is the Roberto Clemente or 6th Street bridge. It’s a handsome bridge that is decorated with hanging flower baskets and dazzling lights. It is the 1st of the 3 sisters and home to many street festivals and celebrations. During Pirate baseball games they block the street in front of the bridge as well as the bridge itself for wonderful celebrations. There are always fireworks as well as street vendors, food stands, lively music and a festive atmosphere. It also offers a lovely stroll into the city on the days when there isn’t a street party. My favorite Parisian bridge is the Pont des Arts. It was the bridge with hundreds of thousand of locks of lovers and future partners that were removed and stored because of the weight of the locks. Pierre and I were able to place our lock on the bridge many years ago before it was no longer permitted. The Pont des Art or Passerelle des Art connects the Institut de France and the Louvre. It’s a romantic footbridge and the 1st iron bridge in Paris. It is pedestrian only and a lovely place to take romantic photos or to have a Sunday stroll. Pierre and I often walk along the Siene and cross over on our way home; always pausing for refreshments at any given cafe or bistro along the way.
Both of these are not only enchanting bridges but they also hold a place I’m my heart. I have many, many reasons for that! I’m a lucky girl to have a life in both of these awesome places.
