Perspective in Brooklyn - Essay Example

I feel, everyone else is rejoicing in my happiness. After 6 years in Toronto, Brooklyn is such a complete change, full of life and friends and it reminds me of Italy. Laughter and so much culture around me that I feel, coming here will not only help me grow up as a person but it would also give special impetus to my interior decoration course, for which I have come here. I have done two years of the course in Toronto and intend to complete my post-graduation in same from Parsons University which is one of the best in states.

Morning is packed with a reading of newspaper followed by e-mail checking and putting my new apartment in order by decorating it. Later, after brunch and go out to get familiar with the town. In the evenings, I love to sit in front of my computers and do some random creative designing. After dinner, if I am not going out with friends for clubbing and dancing, I relax at home, reading, and then going off to sleep. Right now, I am reading Hemingway’s ‘For Whom the Bell Tolls’, it’s a fascinating tale of human emotions.

Yesterday I had seen Brooklyn Museum and today, I am again going to walk through the famous landmark Brooklyn Bridge. It fascinates me and I would like to comment here on the aspects that attract me here again and again.

The Bridge for me is a symbol of commitment and a staunch belief in oneself. The bridge was conceptualized by the great engineer John Augustus Roebling who died of tetanus shortly after the construction of the bridge started in 1869. The work was taken up by his son Washington, who was also an accomplished engineer, like his father. He believed in a hands-on approach to his work and actively participated in the underwater work in ‘caissons’ which are huge containers of water. Unfortunately, excessive exposure to water crippled Washington and made him permanently disabled. The later stages of bridge construction and supervision continued under the guidance of Emily, wife of Washington, who reported the progress to her invalid husband. In 1883, it was opened to the public and Emily became the first person to walk across the bridge. 27 persons died during the construction and despite becoming disabled, Washington and Emily Roebling had the satisfaction of seeing their father’s dream come true. Indeed, the commendable family loyalty and commitment to each other and work, is inspiring.

Another aspect of the bridge is the architectural greatness of the work that inspires creativity. The historic bridge is one of the five suspension bridges that Roebling designed in his time and it has turned out to be the masterpiece that it deserves. 1834 meters long bridge spans the East River, which connects Brooklyn to Manhattan, though the main span over the river is 486 meters only. It is 26 meters wide and 84.3 meters high from the river. The Gothic style arches on both sides are the highlight of the architectural brilliance of Roebling. It was the first bridge where steel wire cable suspension was used and was also the longest suspension bridge in the world when it was first opened to public. The sheer creativity of the architect and his belief in the materials that were never used before, reinforce the fact that creativity is synonymous with belief in one-self.

And lastly, the beautiful and inspiring backdrop of the bridge reinforces the human achievement with that of our creator whenever one walks across it. It is heartening to know that the sacrifice of so many people who died to construct this beautiful architectural marvel has not gone in vain. It not only facilitates easy access across a great river but also provides a breathtaking view of the city landmarks. It takes one from the civic centre of Manhattan to the beautiful ‘Brooklyn heights’ at the other end. It takes 20 minutes to an hour of walking to cross the bridge. If you stand in the middle, you can see the famous ‘Statue of Liberty’ and the ‘Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. Both sides of the bridge are lined with plaques giving one, the various perspectives of the bridge since its conception. The pedestrian walkways are sensitively designed for the convenience of the Philly challenged persons in a wheelchair. Heavy traffic on the bridge and also on the river as cruise liners sail under you, never fail to enthrall visitors and pedestrians. Walking across the bridge is one of the great pleasures of the people of Brooklyn. Is it any wonder that I come here again and again? I think I am not alone in thinking that the sheer pull of the surrounding beauty coupled with a history that encompasses love and personal triumphs, would always enchant and attract people.