Vansu bridge connecting central Riga to Pardaugava

The bridges connect the two
parts of the city, that are
separated by the Daugava,
on the banks of which
they both are built.

Above the water, they allow
us to go from one part to
the other, without having
to rely on the strength
of Kristaps’ shoulders.

And many of us do,
without stopping to take in
the views of the city;
you can see so much from
the middle of the river:
high rise offices, cruise ships
the seven church towers that
dominate the Old Town’s
skyline.

Or the almost finished
National Library, and in
the distance, the much
debated Golden bridge
(or Southern bridge as
the official name sounds).

Where the Akmens and Vansu
bridges connect central Riga
to Pardaugava, you see the
city in all its (un)glory; its
history, its politics; versions
of its future. And you wish
that the strong shoulders
of Big Kristaps help the
Rigans regain make
the most of it.