Initially, I did not realize how popular and famous the Brooklyn Bridge really is to both natives and tourists of New York. I recognized it as just one of our numerous bridges and nothing more. To me, it wasn’t any more special than the Verrazano or the George Washington. This opinion of mine, however, changed when I began living in Brooklyn Heights last semester. I have the most beautiful view of NY right at my feet everyday. Looking at that amazing view never gets old, and it never ceases to amaze the eyes of the natives or the tourists. This picture-perfect scene is nothing without the Brooklyn Bridge. Every time I visit the Promenade to marvel this scene, I see photographers waiting for the perfect setting that truly captures the beauty of the Bridge. It truly is beautiful and unique, having an antique, gothic appearance that no other bridge seems to capture nicely. When the sun shines over the bridge, it takes on an incredible gold shine that resembles a royal castle. Now, upon looking at the bridge, I can’t imagine my belief that this bridge isn’t special.
My reaction is similar to Mayakovsky’s reaction to the Brooklyn Bridge. Although he was not a native like I am, he could not help but feel pride towards this bridge. He describes it as a force completely separate from the city. It alone has power that, if anything, adds to NY’s power as a dominant city. He compares his admiration for the Bridge with the love a painter has in a famous painting and a strong believer has in a church. This is a strong comparison since both the painter and believer love something that consumes their lives; it is their passions. The Brooklyn Bridge must be as amazing as everyone believes since it can make a Russian tourist feel so proud of something that has nothing to do with his daily life.