Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Locals?

In our increasing attempt to mingle with the locals we decided that we had lived here long enough to venture walking across the iconic Golden Gate bridge. Ironically, I don't think locals ever walk on the bridge--it's more for tourists and folks who wish to end their life by falling to their deaths into the churning waters of the bay(I know, gruesome image). At any rate, I found the experience to be highly overrated. While we were surrounded by breath-taking views. I found that the exhuast from the thousands of vehicles passing was also "taking my breath away" in a very literal sense. Also, what I imagined to be a very relaxing stroll on a Sunday afternoon had me anxious with children getting too close to the railing and traffic so loud that I felt like I was at heavy metal concert. Perhaps there are some things in this world just left to romantic imaginations and movies.
According to Wikipedia: The Golden Gate Bridge is the most popular place to commit suicide in the United States and is one of the most popular in the world. The deck is approximately 245 feet above the water. After a fall of approximately four seconds, jumpers hit the water at some 86 miles per hour, which can be fatal. Some of those who survive the impact drown or die of hypothermia in the cold water.
There is no accurate figure on the number of suicides or successful jumps since 1937, because many were not witnessed. People have been known to travel to San Francisco specifically to jump off the bridge, and may take a bus or cab to the site; police sometimes find abandoned rental cars in the parking lot. Currents beneath the bridge are very strong, and some jumpers have undoubtedly been washed out to sea without ever being seen.



The official color of the bridge is "international orange", but I still don't think it is as brilliant as Adam's hair!

1 comment:

Dan said...

I like Adam Madison Orange better too. I think we need a lock of your hair to take to Lowes to get the new paint color for our guest room.