An Eiffel of Paris

The train ride to Paris looked a lot like Ohio but a little greener. For a little over two hours I did not see any form of civilization and thousands of acres of farmland. So I was very excited to arrive in the "city of love" and the city some of the best shopping.

Before stepping of the train and into the city, I did not know what to expect from the city. I was unaware of its beauty or its history. I did not even know that the Eiffel Tower was built in 1889 as the entrance to the World’s Fair. I assumed it was just a symbol for freedom. In reality, the Eiffel Tower is one of the most recognizable monuments in the world and the tallest building in Paris at a staggering 324 meters. Just to put its height into perspective, it is about 81 stories high!

There are three levels. You can either climb up 300+ stairs to the second level or take an elevator. However, you can only take an elevator to the third level that takes you to the very tip of the monument. I was exhausted from the site seeing I did earlier in the day so naturally I took the elevator. I only went to the second level and that was high enough at 115 meters. From this level, I had an eye full of Paris. I was able to look around and spot all of the historic monuments that define Paris- Arc de Triomphe, The Louvre, Notre Dame, and the Basilique du Sacre Coeur (just to name a few).

I also noticed the urbanization of the city. There is a distinct boundary that separates the city of Paris from the rural areas of France. It seems like nobody wants to live outside of the city, which is why the city is heavily populated with 2.2 million residents. There is not enough space in the city for its population, so you will see lots of tall buildings and rarely will you see a backyard or front yard.

The line for the elevator to take me down to the ground level was too long to wait so I took the stairs down. On my way down I passed a mother who was physically dragging and pulling her son up the stairs. This child literally looked like he was born yesterday so if he can do it, anyone can.

The security guard at my hotel told me that he pays 850,000 Euros for an apartment twice the size of my hotel room. I quickly informed him that he could live so comfortable with that amount of money in America. He rebuttal by saying he could never leave Paris for America because he does not agree with American politics. I thought that was interesting because America is suppose to be the land of the free and because he could have easily lived the ‘American Dream’ to some extend with that amount of money.

One weekend in Paris does not due the city justice. It is a city with endless history and great food. One day, I hope to revisit the city (preferably around the same time as the French Open). For more information and interesting facts about the Eiffel Tower, you can follow these links:

Fun Facts: http://lifestyle.iloveindia.com/lounge/facts-about-eiffel-tower-2939.html

Information: http://www.tour-eiffel.fr/teiffel/uk/

Map of Paris & its Monuments: http://paris.france-province.net/map_paris_france.jpg