5. Monkey Bridge
Wobbly, wild, and full of meaning, the term “Monkey Bridge” pops up in many places and cultures. In Vietnam, it means the cầu khỉ; narrow bamboo bridges that are tricky to cross, needing balance like a monkey. In Japan, it brings to mind the legendary Saruhashi Bridge, where monkeys were said to help stranded travelers.
At sea, it refers to the highest deck on a ship used for exploration. In books, it takes shape in Lan Cao’s novel Monkey Bridge, which follows a Vietnamese teen adjusting to life in America while uncovering her mother’s past.
Whether it’s a real bridge, a symbol, or a story, “Monkey Bridge” reminds us of all the risky crossings we make; from place to place, and from who we are to who we’re becoming.