I took special note of one bridge in particular: The Sydney Harbour Bridge. This bridge is the widest longspan bridge in the world, with its eight lanes of traffic. It was the tallest structure in sydney until 1967. "But why take special note of this one?" you may be asking. The answer? The Climb (as the aussie bridge-folk call it). This was the appeal for me - its walkway on top of the bridge. So you can actually climb over it! I love hikes and heights, and i'm always up for a good challenge with a magnificant view as the reward. So when i heard about this bridge, sydney was added to my list of "must-go" places. (Not to mention, places with fun accents always earn extra points!) Another selling point was seeing that this funny guy had made the trek...
The bridge's website, http://www.bridgeclimb.com/, includes a section written for those who suffer from agrophobia. They say that the Climb "has helped thousands overcome their fear of heights." Interesting...
Well, as i read this and then noticed two decks of cards nearby, i could not help but ponder my generation's fear of bridge - the game, that is. Most are aware of my great appreciation for bridge. It is a game i would like to play more often but the problem is that rounding up a group is not easy (unless i venture to the nearest senior center. Perhaps not a bad idea every once in a while, but don't know how ready i am to fully embrace "the senior life" in my mid-20's.) Therefore, this is where i shall make an unabashed plea to my generation.
This game is amazing!
It's both enjoyable and challening.
It's not as difficult to learn as many of us were raised to believe.
It wasnt always a "grandparents-only" game - they were youths once too! (and part of a freaking cool generation if you ask me.)
For those gamblers out there, you may not know that it was common to bet on bridge games. (and my grandma won her quarters fair and square)
But sadly, bridge seems to be fading fast. [Insert shocking statistics] It served a generation well for many, many years, and i believe that it can do the same for us. So let's "bridge the gap" between the generations and pick up this game!
As you're walking or driving around today, pondering life perhaps, I encourage you to take a moment and give bridges some thought. Plan your next getaway to sydney or call your grandma to talk strategy. ("How did you win those quarters??")
Consider the possibilities.
3 comments:
What? No mention of the Bridge/Christmas Morning connection?
I loved your proposal to "bridge the gap!" ;) You know, I must admit, I think I've nearly become a bridge-convert (the game that is... you'll never get me up there on the Sydney death trap!) But in recent years whenever I visit my grandma and hang out with her cool crowd of friends, i get sucked into playing as the "dummy"- fitting as it may be. And in spite of myself I always have fun! :)
will you teach dan and i how to play?? i've always been intrigued by the game (my nana was a CHAMPION bridge player!) and have wanted to learn, so now i just need a good teacher (you). :)
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