Beauty Through Her Eyes is a collection of images submitted by each country.
Alvinette SOLIANA
THE SWINGING OLD LADY
The Queen Emma bridge is a pontoon bridge across Sint Anna Bay in Curacao. The bridge floats on sixteen pontoons that connects the Punda and Otrobanda quarters of the Capital City, Willemstad. The bridge is 168 meters long and is the only floating wooden swing bridge in the world.
The bridge is hinged and opens regularly to enable the passage of oceangoing vessels. On the opposite end from the hinge is a small shelter where an operator controls two diesel engines turning propellers.
The bridge was built in 1888 and was completely renovated in 1939, in 1939, 1961, 1983 - 1986 and 2005 - 2006. The lighting arches were installed in 1955, to celebrate the royal visit of Queen Juliana and Prince Bernard.
Originally a toll bridge from 1901-1934, individuals without shoes were permitted to cross the bridge without paying the toll. When the bridge swings open, two ferries spring into action to bring pedestrians across the water. The ferries are also free of charge. Motorized traffic ceased in 1974. Locally the bridge is known as "Swinging Old Lady" at it will swing to the Otrobanda side of Willemstad.
We all need a touch of inspiration to reignite the fire in our soul, be it to stimulate creative ideas for a project we are working on or simply to break the monotony of life's autopilot and lose ourselves in the moment of possibility for a while. The "Swinging Old Lady" inspire me to get out into the World and connect with other humans.
Miss World Curacao 2021, Beauty with a Purpose Through Her Eyes