Today marks 75 years since America's most beloved bridge was opened to the public and I must say, it looks just as beautiful today as it did way back then, don't you agree?!...
The Golden Gate Bridge on opening day, 27th of May, 1937
Seventy-five years certainly is a long time so, it's strange to think that there was a time when the iconic 'Golden Gates' weren't there, guarding the passage to the Pacific! I have found some pictures, which I think are absolutely fascinating, taken during the construction of the bridge all those years ago...
Something the bridge is known for is the clouds and fog that often surrounds it. It is apparently something about the positioning of the bridge that seems to make the mist gravitate toward it. This makes things a bit tricky for motorists but also allows for some pretty amazing pictures to be taken...
However, even when it's not covered in clouds it is just as pretty! Have a look at these pictures of the bridge, captured over it's 75 year lifetime...
The bridge in 1950
Members of the San Francisco Ballet pose in front of the bridge in 1957
A couple gets their picture taken in front of the bridge in the 60's
Fireworks during the finale of the 50th anniversary celebrations in 1987
People gather to commemorate the bridge's 50th anniversary in 1987
Reflection of the bridge in raindrops
The bridge during a storm
I want to finish with a confession. As someone who has never seen the bridge in person (as of yet anyway!), one of my only connections with it growing up was through movies and television. So of course, when I think of the 'Golden Gate Bridge', this instantly comes to mind...
I'm sure I'm not the only one, am I?!
I'm not ashamed though... I LOVED Full House, almost as much as I love that bridge!
Now, you may think I'm nuts. It is certainly not the most orthodox holiday destination– it can be very cold, there are often ridiculously long periods of light or darkness (depending on the season), and most parts are pretty remote– it's definitely no Fiji!
However, ever since I saw The Proposal I have been wanting to visit one of the lovely kitschy towns that are iconic to the USA's most northern state (Sitka anyone?). I want to sip hot chocolates by a fire while looking out to a snowy seaside village; I want to meet the town corner store owner who is a local celebrity; I want to see the lovely weatherboard buildings, perfectly lined up along the pier; I want to explore the landscape, from the pretty pine forests to the picturesque mountain sides– I want to see all Alaska has to offer!
In the midst of my obsession, I have found some pictures that illustrate why I think Alaska is the perfect place to relax and unwind. Here are a few of my favorites...
Have I convinced you? Yes/ No?
Either way, I know I can't be swayed. I don't think there is another place on this earth with quite the same charm and character as beautiful Alaska.
Oh, New York! Home of towering skyscrapers, yellow taxi cabs and show-tunes. One day I will experience you for myself and not just vicariously through characters on movies and TV. But until then, a girl can dream, right?!
So here I go, dreaming. This is how I would spend my perfect day in 'The Big Apple'...
Firstly, to get myself in the New York mood, I would have to listen to 'New York, New York' by Frank Sinatra on a loop, whilst strolling around the city's streets.
This song seems to capture everything New York is to me: exciting, full of energy and classy- very classy!
Also, it gives me those big city butterflies in my belly... does anyone else get that or is it just me? It's probably just me.
Next stop, the skies! How could I go to New York and not go to the top of the Empire State Building? While it would be worth it for the view alone, the opportunity to see the world's first skyscraper up close is too good pass up!
At 102 stories high, it is the highest public point in NYC
For lunch I would go to Serendipity, the cafe from one of my favorite movies, Serendipity(2001).
'Serendipity', the cafe
Serendipity the movie, staring Kate Bekinsale and John Cusack
The word 'serendipity', means the art of finding the pleasantly unexpected by chance. This is the perfect name for both the movie and this cute little 'kitch' cafe.
With its eclectic antique decor, Serendipity seems like the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city... at least for a little while!
Yes, I did say 'a little while'. I couldn't sit around all day knowing that there was some serious shopping to be done! I think the massive department stores would be absolutely amazing to see for myself!
Macy's NYC is the worlds largest store
Macy's, Barney's, Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdales (also from Serendipity) are apparently stocked full of the most fabulous products and feature some of the most breathtaking product displays. Seems like enough to keep my inner shoppaholic occupied for days!
Then, whilst eating my dinner, which I would have bought from one of the many iconic NYC street vendors, I would take a leisurely stroll through the one and only Central Park.
With its beautiful tree lined pathways and sprawling fields, Central Park must seem like a world away from the tall buildings and loud cars that fill the city.
It's also a massive cultural hub. From re-enactments of Shakespeare's plays to orchestral performances, from the humble path-side busker to huge international artists, the park acts as a stage for all sorts of exciting entertainment. This is my dream day, so of course Coldplay would be headlining one of the many music festivals held at the park (and of course I would be invited on stage to sing 'Fix You' with Chris Martin)!
Lastly, to end my perfect day in NYC, I would attend a Broadway show. Jersey Boys perhaps?
I imagine a broadway show to be like nothing else I have ever seen before. The atmosphere, the excitement, the SONGS- those catchy, catchy, show tunes would probably be in my head for days on end! It would be totally worth it though. To witness an iconic NYC institution in person is such a priceless experience.
So there you have it, my dream day in New York City... now all I need to do is make it happen for real!
I'm hoping 'How I Would Spend A Day In...' will become a regular installment here, so I hope you enjoyed it! Let me know what you think in the comments below.
I’m Rachel, a 24-year-old Communications graduate from Hamilton, NZ. I love to read, write, watch movies and bake yummy treats. From time to time I also like to write down my thoughts and post them on the internet for all to see. Enjoy!
