I was always so proud of being called a bridge builder, a connector and a mediator. Connecting the impossible. People, organisations, animals and things. Smoothing the conflicts, helping people to connect, to overcome their differences, accept or even appreciate the diversity. Till I realised I have to learn also to burn certain bridges or not even build some in the first place. Especially between people. Make smart(er) and wise(er) choices. For myself and for others. And so have more space and energy for the right ones.
Building the bridges takes knowledge and skills. Knowing which bridges to keep and which to burn down takes experience and wisdom.
I was hiking steep up in Valais to see the amazing accomplishment that was built in only 75 days! It is the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world - Charles Kuonen Hängebrücke on the Europaweg. Views around are spectacular, as is the bridge itself.
Human hands made such an amazing construction, brought us the nature closer, connected two parts close together. All is financially supported by local people and organisations. It was named after a psychologist and winery co-owner Charles Kuonen from the Mattertal (Matter Valley). The bridge spans a valley between the Swiss towns of Zermatt and Grächen — cutting a normally three to four hour trek across the valley down to just 10 minutes. Yet another typical Swiss achievement.
