By Corey Sandler
We’re nearing the end of this trip which began in Reykjavik, Iceland and went on to the Faroe Islands and then Norway, the Shetland Islands, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Ireland, Wales, England, France, Spain, and Portugal.
That’s the fun part. Ahead of us lies the least enjoyable part of travel: airports and airplanes.
If only there were a bridge we could take directly home.
Which got me to thinking about physical connections large and small, new and old.
Let’s start with an astounding piece of engineering and art I visited just a few weeks ago.
The Atlantic Ocean Road
Some call it the “bridge across the Atlantic”, which much as I’d like it to be, it isn’t.
In 1989, Norway completed a 20-mile stretch of road along its west coast to connect tiny hamlets and islands previously served only by uncomfortable ferries. County Road 64 weaves its way across the archipelago between Averøy and Hustadvika, one of the roughest stretches of the country’s coast. The road connects the poprts of Molde and Kristiansund.
There are eight remarkable bridges, most of them seeming to defy physics.
It sure beats a small boat or plane, though.
A Bridge Under a Bridge
Boston has many handsome bridges, but few quite as unusual as this recent addition: a pedestrian underpass beneath the new William Felton “Bill” Russell Bridge that connects the city’s north end to Charlestown.
Everyone calls it the “Bill Russell Bridge”, and nearly all know about the man: one of professional basketball’s all-time greats, playing for the Boston Celtics and winner of 11 NBA championships during his 13-year career.
Boston’s newest major bridge, which includes a handsome pedestrian underpass at one end. Photo by Corey Sandler, all rights reserved.
No Driver Required
Tokyo’s sprawling subway system includes a section that is completely automated, from ticket machines to the robotic driver in the cab.
The line connects an island in the harbor to the main lines in downtown.
Some Drivers Demur
The Confederation Bridge links the Canadian mainland province of New Brunswick to the province of Prince Edward Island.
At 8 miles in length, it is Canada’s longest bridge and the world’s longest bridge over what is often ice-covered water.
On the one hand, it is just a bridge. But for some, it is a terrifying experience: so frightening to some, that drivers are given the option to pay an extra fee to have a professional driver take the wheel in your car while you enjoy the ride. Or not.
A Tranquil Crossing
Most Japanese treasure tranquility and order, and this ancient bridge at the Sumiyosha Taisha Shrine in Osaka embodies that sense of zen.
An Old Bridge Worthy of the Name
The Ponte Vecchio (the Old Bridge) crosses the Arno River in Florence, Italy. It was rebuilt in stone in 1345 and today provides a crossing and some retail therapy for tourists.
This photo is an extreme closeup of a section of the bridge that includes jewelry and other shops.
The Ponte Vecchio Bridge is one of the most photographed in the world. I found an image that focused on its shops. Photo by Corey Sandler, all rights reserved.
The Bridge Out My Window
As I write these words, our ship has just tied up at the floating pier in Greenwich, England just short of the heart of the city.
These days very few ships are narrow and short enough to pass through the famed Tower Bridge near the Tower of London.
We will be going through that bridge tonight by river taxi as we head to the theater.
All text and photos are by Corey Sandler, all rights reserved. Copyright 2026. If you want to obtain a copy of one of my photographs for personal or commercial use, please contact me using the link on this page.
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