Bridges

Golden Gate Bridge – San Francisco’s architectural masterpiece

| Christie

With a handsome setting around the San Francisco Bay, that eventually gave the city a nickname by which it is often called “The City by the Bay”, San Francisco is known for so many things: from its steep streets featured in so many movies, to Alcatraz Island, where the famous or rather infamous prison is, to the iconic Victorian houses, and last but not the least, the Golden Gate Bridge. If you happen to be in San Francisco, you can’t go far without noticing the Golden Gate Bridge, as it is visible from many points along the Bay shore. Partially hidden at times by the ever-lasting layers of clouds, it is just there, begging for your attention.

Golden Gate Bridge from battery observation deck

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White River suspension bridge trail – Pukaskwa National Park

| Christie

Out of the hundreds of hiking possibilities in Northern Ontario, the trail going to the White River suspension bridge is the one you won’t want to miss. If you like hiking, you love nature, and suspension bridges, then this is the trail you must have on your list.

Being on the road already for few days, on our West to Northwest Road Trip, we planned carefully a full day on this rather difficult trail.

Pukaskwa National Park - White river suspension bridge trail
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Top five suspension bridges in Ontario

| Christie

I was often in awe of the craftsmanship of many bridges I crossed or admired over time. Some of them are right in the middle of famous cities, probably famous just because of their prodigious bridges, while others are built in the midst of unbelievable places, in the middle of nowhere. Either way, all of them are taking you to some of the most scenic views.

Eagle canyon suspension bridge 100feet
Eagle canyon suspension bridge 300feet
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PE, Lima: Miraflores & Barranco districts and other impressions

| Christie

How to Peru in 2 weeks, Day #3 – Miraflores and Barranco districts

The third morning in Lima was sneaking quietly, and we had to decide if we should visit some museums we had on our list, or get to Puente de los Suspiros (Bridge of Sights) in Barranco, while seeing more of the Lima’s street life.

The first stop was in Kennedy Park, so famous for its inhabitants: 60 cats. Located in the heart of Miraflores, the park is well known to the tourists, even though it looked like there were more locals at the time we stopped by. A little oasis in the middle of a bustling city, the park is much smaller than I imagined. Welcomed by a huge Pucara Bull, we had a chance to learn about this symbol, not knowing yet we will actually have a chance to visit the town of Pucara in the following week.

Kennedy park - Pucara bull
Lima-Kennedy park – Pucara bull, the symbol of prosperity, happiness and fertility in Andean culture

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HU, Budapest: A night cruise on the Danube River

| Christie

After 2 days of walking in a sunny and hot Budapest, the time has come, finally. Time to rest our legs, to enjoy the cold drinks and the exceptional views of the Danube shore. Time to have a cruise on the Danube River to see the glowing Budapest.

Budapest - Buda, Danube Western shore
Buda, Danube Western shore

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CA, Ontario: Sault Ste Marie vs St Marys River

| Christie

Around Huron Lake in 8 days: Sault Ste Marie vs St Marys River

Pursuing our road trip around Huron Lake after leaving Manitoulin Island, our next destination was Sault Ste Marie. Passing cities like Espanola, and Spanish, or reservations such as Mississauga First Nation, I couldn’t stop noticing the French hint of Sault Ste Marie’s name. Anyone can sense from the distance how rich in history this whole area is, isn’t it? But more intriguingly, between the French name of Sault Ste Marie, and the English name for St Mary’s Rivers, I couldn’t stop asking myself which one came actually first?

St Marys River Rapids as seen from the Bridge
St Marys River Rapids – view from the Bridge

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Exploring Ontario: Manitoulin Island by Chi-Cheemaun; Wikwemikong – Manitowaning

| Christie

Around Huron Lake in 8 days: Manitoulin Island by Chi-Cheemaun; Wikwemikong – Manitowaning

Chi-Cheemaun is not only a ferry. It is the Big Canoe (as it means in Obijwe language) that connects Tobermory in Bruce Peninsula with South Baymouth on Manitoulin Island, but also connects people, stories and spirits.

Tobermory shore and Big Tub Harbour
Tobermory shore and Big Tub Harbour, as seen from the ferry, before departing.

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US, Oregon: Columbia River – Bonneville Dam and Hatchery – Multnomah Falls

| Christie

If you are ready for a road trip along Columbia River, then Columbia River Gorge is the destination you are looking for. The 130-km gorge, the boundary between states of Washington and Oregon, offers wonderful places and stops along the way.

The Columbia River, the largest river in the Pacific Northwest, is about 2,000 km long, starting its journey from Columbia Lake, in the Rocky Mountains in BC, Canada, and ending in Astoria, between the states of Oregon and Washington in the U.S.

Columbia River along I84
Columbia River along I84

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CU, Matanzas: Bellamar Caves and Bacunayagua Bridge

| Christie

 

When Justo Wong, a land worker, dropped his tool on the ground, and it just simply disappeared in a hole, only his master Don Ramon Pargas had the courage to go down and investigate, discovering in this way the entrance of the cave.

Discovered in 1861, Bellamar Caves became the first attraction in Cuba, as Ramon built stairs, handrails, and a house on the entrance. He truly believed that this discovery is not only about the cave, but everything behind that, and he opened it for tourism and further exploring. Later on, once they had electricity there were lamps installed and staff to explain to visitors the history of the place. Continue reading →