If the tourists ever got past the obvious, they'd see what you see....

It is the symbol of this city. You can buy anything in its likeness, from chocolates to figurines. The magnificent structure is heavy all kinds of traffic, from drivers, bikers and tourists walking its mile long length. The brilliant red orange color is famous just because this well known bridge is painted in this fashion. There is no experience quite like passing under its overwhelming and gigantic arches, as the “International Orange” bridge towers over you. The fact is, its an experience that no tourist should go without, when visiting San Francisco; but what most people don’t know (or don’t choose to talk about) is that there is another reason why people are drawn here. When I look at the bridge, in all of its glory, I can only see one thing; and while people are marveling in its appearance, all I can think about are the people that come here to jump off. 

When walking on the bridge (in day time only, as foot traffic is no longer allowed at night), while the powerful wind whips across your body, you may notice little telephone stations. They’re not there to dial family as you cross, to let them hear how wonderful of a time you are having in the city by the bay; but for those that are struggling with the decision to jump, so they may be  connected to the suicide hotline. The Golden Gate bridge is the most popular place in the world to kill yourself.  There are even blue uniformed police officers that are there to make sure no one is thinking about offing themselves, as more people come here to die more than anywhere else in the world. This incredibly morbid thought has now marred my image of the symbol of San Francisco.