April 02, 2013

"B" is for Bridge


This is Day 2 for the
Blogging from A to Z Challenge
for 2013.


My topic for today is Bridges, and I'll share some of my favourites that I've come across while travelling in Europe.


The Pulteney Bridge in Bath, which spans the Avon River, was completed in 1774 and is lined with shops. It was the site for the filming of Javert's suicide in Les Miserables


Pulteney Bridge, Bath


Another bridge lined with shops is the Ponte Vecchio across the Arno River in Florence. The current bridge dates from 1345 and is said to have been spared from bombing by direct orders from Hitler in WW II.


Ponte Vecchio, Florence

London's Tower Bridge was built during the late 1800s and looks older than it is. It's commonly mistaken for London Bridge.


Tower Bridge, London


A contemporary of the Tower Bridge is Pont Alexandre III in Paris, an elaborate bridge spanning the Seine that was named in honor of Tsar Alexander III of Russia. This bridge is decorated by art nouveau lamps and gilded sculptures.


Pont Alexandre III, Paris


The Rialto Bridge in Venice is the oldest to cross the Grand Canal.


Rialto Bridge,Venice


There are now 400 bridges in Venice, connecting over a hundred islands, and even the smallest has its own charm.






And one bridge, the Pont des Arts in Paris, has become a mecca for lovers who inscribe their names on padlocks, fasten them to the side of the bridge and toss the key into the Seine.


Pont des Arts, Paris

Do you have a favourite bridge in Europe?

Next: "C" is for Chair


10 comments:

  1. I have always wanted to visted the Pont des Arts. You know, just to leave a little piece of my love behind somewhere. That way after I am long gone, my love still last somewhere.
    Dani @ Entertaining Interests
    #warriorminion

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  2. It is a romantic notion, isn't it? I hope you get to visit one day.

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  3. I don't have a favorite bridge in Europe yet, but I'm sure I will after our mother/daughter trip there this summer! I can't wait!

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    1. A mother/daughter trip - that's wonderful! I haven't been to Europe with my daughter yet but hope to do that one day. Have a great time.

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  4. Ah, the memories. We walked from our hotel, across Pont Alexandre III and all the way to La Tour Eiffel. Over 2km each way but we were so busy absorbing every bit of the local culture that it hardly felt like a long walk. Until, of course, we walked along the cobblestones in the wrong footwear, but that's a minor snafu. Too bad we were there while many shops were closed for the season (mid-August). There was a wonderful little camera shop that had all these antiques. I just stared through the window like a camera stalker (that's not like a reverse paparazzo, is it? lol)

    Also, nice mention of Les Mis. We've made it a point to see Les Mis whenever we travel or if it tours near us. My sister's getting tickets for a show in June.


    Lovely photos.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you! I found the same thing with the distances in Paris. Things looked much closer on the map. But you're right - there's so much to see that the time goes quickly. I just have to keep reminding myself to look down every once in a while so I don't trip over the cobblestones or one of those little posts sticking out of the ground all over France.

      Enjoy Les Mis!

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  5. I have always loved that chain of bridges in Florence, and love the Ponte Vecchio.

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    Replies
    1. I haven't been on the Ponte Vecchio for over 30 years, but I hope to return one day soon and see it up close again.

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  6. Sorry I'm a day late. I didn't get a chance to come by yesterday. I love your post on bridges in Europe. I've never been anywhere out of the US other than a few miles into Mexico. I love the classic style to them all.

    Kristena Tunstall
    Dedication Website to daughter in heaven:
    www.mommysangelinheaven.com

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    Replies
    1. Hi, Kristena:

      Sorry that I'm a day late in replying. I just found your comments in my spam folder.

      There's so much style to them, isn't there? Thanks for stopping by!

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