Bridges
Bridges mean different things to different people. For some, they are merely a means of getting from here to there. For others, they are architecturally fascinating. For me, the London bridges symbolized my connections to the city. I had decided before even leaving my house in December that on a free day, I wanted to walk along the Thames River and cross as many bridges as I could in one go. Last Monday, the 18th, was to be my “bridge day”.
It was typical London weather: cold, grey, and foggy. I began my adventure with a relaxing (and delicious) breakfast at Pret, also throwing in my plastic Pret bag (a constant in my life) some food to eat for lunch “on the move” later. I had decided I would hike from east to west, and would stop at the Battersea Bridge. There are about four or so more bridges west of Battersea, but one of these doesn’t allow pedestrians to cross and the others were out of bounds for my already-paid-for Oyster card.
Comfortably clad in my sneakers, sweatpants, sweatshirt, coat, hat, and gloves (more life constants), I stood in front of the Tower Bridge (on the north side of the Thames) at 9:30am, ready. And so it began. For the next four hours I walked, stopping only twice (for bathroom breaks). The weather actually aided in my experience; due to the lack of sunlight, I was not distracted by any “pretty views” or picturesque angles of the bridges. I certainly used my camera quite a bit, but solely for documenting my travels, and not for any artistic reasons.
And so I walked. While crossing each bridge and traveling along the river’s edge, I experienced a tremendous sense of integration with London on a deeper level than I had felt prior. The bridges represent a literal and tangible connection between both halves of the city, and my journey across each of these connections symbolized myself becoming a part of London. Standing on the Battersea Bridge looking out, I felt whole. I had not simply perused a few shops, seen some cool buildings, and walked down a bunch of streets. I had zig-zagged my way through and alongside the Thames, taking in as much of London as I could see, focusing intensely on each moment of movement. It was a very overwhelming sensation upon completion. I no longer feel like a tourist, but rather a well-versed foreigner. I am part of the city – and it, part of me. London is truly something special; my experience on this day just further proved to me that I must live here at some point in my future.
— Kelly Henry
