KenKen Photoblog: bridge

Showing posts with label bridge. Show all posts

La Fin!

The final posting from my trip to Paris last summer. It took a while to go through all of the photos, but it was nice to re-live the experience. Hope you enjoyed the photos! (next photos will be from trip to Nicaragua)

Miscellaneous Parisian Architecture

Love the old Parisian Architecture!... random shots from around the city.

Vive la République!

One of the best ways to get a quick tour of Paris... and to see all the beautiful bridges, is on the back of a Batobus. The Batobus takes you to the heart of Paris, with stops at all of the main tourist sites (including the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre). With 8 stops on the route, you see a different view of Paris and lets you travel around the city the way Parisians originally did. This shot was taking right after we passed the Pont Alexandre III bridge. The French flag was blowing in the warm summer breeze.

Under the Bridge

If you were to tell someone in the US that you're going to go hang out under a bridge, they might think you're a bit odd... the bridge that Frank and Charlie (from It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia) hang out under comes to mind. However, in Paris, it's totally normal... and is actually desired. These are a few of the photos I took while doing just that.

Pont Alexandre III

Pont Alexandre III is an arch bridge that spans the Seine, connecting the Champs-Élysées quarter and the Invalides and Eiffel Tower Quarter. It is regarded by many as one of the prettiest in Paris (it's also my favorite). The bridge, with its exuberant Art Nouveau lamps, cherubs, nymphs and winged horses at either end, was built between 1896 and 1900. It was named after Tsar Alexander III (father of Nicholas II) of Russia who laid the foundation stone in October 1896. The style of the bridge reflects that of the Grand Palais, to which it leads on the right bank. The construction of the bridge is a marvel of 19th century engineering, consisting of a 6m high single span steel arch. The design was subject to strict controls that prevented the bridge from obscuring the view of the Champs-Élysées or the Invalides. The bridge was built by the engineers Résal and Alby and inaugurated in 1900 for the Universal Exhibition. Classified as historical monument, four gold-covered bronze statues hover over the bridge, on the top of 17 meter columns, representing "Renommées" standing close to Pegasus.

Follow Me Home

Two women walk through one of the bridges along the Seine.

The Nymphs of the Seine

Photo shot from on top of my favorite (and most extravagant) bridge in Paris: Pont Alexandre III... taking in the same view that the Nymphs of the Seine have had for the last 100+ years.

The Bridges of the Seine

During my first trip to Paris, I received some crucial advice: "The best way to see Paris is on foot." There are so many famous buildings, monuments, and landmarks to just enjoy at your leisure... Madeleine, L’Arc de Triomphe, Jardins du Palais Royale, Place Vendome, Musee d’Orsay, Musee du Louvre, Opera National de Paris, Les Invalides, Jardins du Luxembourg, and many others. It is helpful to set a basic walking route (which will lead to detours). You can see the sights you want, stop by cafes when you get tired and hungry (or thirsty), and plan your tour of Paris that way. It's more enjoyable and you can do things on your own time. Don’t be tied down to specific visits and entrance times (unless there is something you really want to see). The museums in Paris are amazing (and are worth a visit if you go during the off season, have extra, and the weather is bad)... but in my opinion, I have a much better experience of the “real” Parisian life by taking in the city on foot.

With that said, a walking tour must include crossing the bridges of the Seine. They all have a different personality... this means they are different in size, have different sculptures, and take in a different view in each direction (especially since the river bends so much). When crossing the bridges, you can get great landscape pictures of Paris. Sunrise and sunset are the best for colors over the city and reflecting in the water... and also right after sunset when the lights of the city (including the Eiffel Tower) get turned on. It just has a romantic feel when walking over the Seine. Another perk is that there are no "open container laws" Paris... so recommend bringing a bottle of wine and some cheese & crackers to your favorite bridge at the end of a long day.

Rivers and Cities

Some of the most stunning architecture in Chicago is located along the river (excluding the Trump Tower which I do not like). Marina City is probably my favorite. I recommend going for a walk along the Chicago River (or boat cruise) if you have some free time in the city.

Somewhere Over NYC

Some grainy iPhone images taken from above NYC... it felt like the pilot purposely flew us over all of the tourist spots on this particular flight. Felt like I should have paid extra??

A Late Fall Afternoon on the Charles

On the almost fully repaired Boston University bridge looking out over the Charles River towards Boston's skyline. It's quite a beautiful view. This shot was taken on a late afternoon in the fall with the sun behind me. You can notice many trees along the river have already changed color. The sailboats were out in full effect this day.

A Different Perspective of the BU Bridge

The Boston University Bridge... my favorite bridge crossing the Charles. I just wish they would finish construction on it at some point.

Boston Under the Bridge

The Mighty Montmorency Falls

The mighty Montmorency Falls in Quebec... just outside of the city center. This waterfall is actually higher than Niagra Falls. Canada certainly has some impressive waterfalls!