The Bridge of Peace opened to the public in 2010 shortly after I arrived in Tbilisi. The pedestrian bridge spans the Mtkvari river connecting Old Town with the then newly developed Rike Park. It’s certainly very striking but was also controversial. Some critics considered it an expensive indulgence, a waste of public funds that could be better spent tackling the city’s many challenges - potholed roads, crumbling infrastructure, poor housing. Others viewed it as an eyesore, clashing with the architecture of old town and dominating visually. Some of the locals took to calling it the ‘Always Ultra’ on account of its supposed resemblance to a feminine hygiene product. Personally, I objected to it because my dog was banned from using it. Not just my dog, I should add, but any dog. But it was always good for a photograph.
The nickname made me snigger childishly