The very famous love lock bridge in Paris, France has been known as a source of romance throughout the world. If you have not heard what the love lock bridge is, it's known as a symbol of "everlasting love". Couples, or anybody that wants to express their love for one another, go here and take a lock with them, lock it on the bridge, then throw the key into the body of water below. Typically their names will be written on the lock and once the key is thrown in the water, the lock will no longer be able to be opened; symbolizing a bond that is unbreakable. This has been a place I've always personally wanted to visit, as I'm sure many others did too, but nothing lasts forever.
Unfortunately, the city of Paris has recently decided to take down this bridge. Due to the vast amounts of locks that are on the bridge, it became weighted down which caused the bridge to start falling down. Once this was announced the world reacted with sadness, anger, and confusion. People argued that they were ruining the symbol of unbreakable love and tried to think of solutions to keep the bridge there. In the end the bridge had to come down to preserve the area so it could continue to be a beautiful attraction. Though the locks were removed the people that visited will always have the beautiful memory of this famous tourist attraction.
The love lock bridge was such a huge tourist attraction that it had an influence on the world. Civilians started their very own versions of the love lock bridge in their cities. Recently I discovered that Los Angeles has started it's very own version of the famous love lock bridge. This bridge is located over the Los Angeles river between the 5 freeway and Atwater village. There obviously aren't as many locks as the Paris love lock bridge, but it's a new place the lovers of Los Angeles can go and visit.
Though the scenery is nowhere near as beautiful as Paris, it's a sweet gesture. If you plan on visiting this bridge and adding a lock, it is recommended to not throw the key into the Los Angeles river below. They ask this to avoid pollution which let's face it, is something our city does not need more of. It is asked that instead of throwing your key below, you bring a flower and throw that into the river below instead and recycle the key. The bridge is also located near Sunnynook River Park so if you're looking for a cute date idea with your significant other, you should check it out! Information on the Atwater Love Lock bridge can be found on their Facebook which you can "like" here: https://www.facebook.com/Atwater-Village-Love-Lock-Bridge-1410955312474989/ Happy love locking Los Angeles!
