“Your problem is to bridge the gap which exists between where you are now and the goal you intend to reach.” -Earl Nightingale
When you think about the obstacles facing us in the world today, it's easy to look to advances in technology as the panacea. If there are waterways that need crossing, you'll build what architects have been telling us to build for generations -- as Lucy Wainwright Roche would sing -- a
But not all bridges are built the same.
Image credit: Flickr User Pratham Books.
In the state of Meghalaya, India, one of the wettest, rainiest places on Earth, the rivers flood during the rainy season and become impassable. But thanks to a very clever use of the indigenous rubber trees, Ficus Elastica, that grow there, natural bridges that strengthen themselves over time provide a way across... and a beautiful sight to boot.
Image credit: Léopold Lambert of http://thefunambulist.net/2010/12/18/architectures-without-architects-g….
Check out the root bridges of India for our weekend diversion!
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Those Ewoks, are awesome bridge builders.
Thanks Ethan.
Ethan,
Beautiful article! As you well know these rubber trees are made up of the same atoms that you and I and the stars are composed of. You are always worth reading!
Keep it up.
Stan