Picking up from where my fellow Europe tripper left off, today was our second full day in Paris and we were determined to climb the Eiffel Tower no matter how early we had to get up. The day started with the usual breakfast of cake, cereal and a bowl of hot chocolate at the hostel (the French are not satisfied with a ‘cup’ of hot chocolate in the morning). This gave us the strength to navigate through the efficient metro. At the Eiffel Tower we were nowhere near the first in line but certainly not the last as late-comers lined up behind us to wait in the crisp morning air. I hope the Eiffel Tower appreciates how much patience is needed to see it. We did make it to the top and I’ve got to say it was worth it, all of Paris laid out to see; Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre and other brilliant monuments. The only complaints were the pictures didn’t have the Eiffel Tower in the background…
After that we quickly made our way to the Louvre and had lunch. As teenagers we are useless on an empty stomach. We saw many famous artworks, such as Venus de Milo, a Sphinx, Winged Victory and, of course, Mona Lisa. There was much pushing and shoving to get to her, but we all managed to grab a picture or selfie to remember old Mona. We walked through to Napoleon the Third’s apartment which is a great place if you like chandeliers. Our tour ended under the glass pyramid. Another food refuel to help our brains try to understand Impressionism (Nutella crepes should be had every day). Our guide then took us to the Arc de Triomphe.
There was good news and bad news to be had once we got there. The good news was we had tickets; the bad news was the lift was broken and that the top was 284 steps away. From climbing assorted towers (even a leaning one) we have become quite accustomed to stairs, which Europe is very fond of as a way to work off the Nutella crepe you had today. Up and around we went until we got to the top. Seeing the 11 streets that branch out from the Arc, various fancy cars that distracted Mr Wray, some street cinema from above and we got our picture with the Eiffel Tower in the background. We had only a quick wander down the Champs Elysees, which is a busy street. Then our noses and guide took us towards dinner.
Dinner was a surprisingly delicious affair, with eggs mayonnaise being unexpectedly as yummy as an egg and egg product could be. Then, for the last night in Paris there was finally ice cream, which disappeared as quickly as you’d expect. Lastly, before we rested our weary heads there was a cruise on the river Seine and a chance to see the Eiffel Tower at night.
We all gathered to the top of the cruise boat, the cold night doing little to crush our spirits as we took a tour of Paris from the river, waving to those on the bridges and the shore who watched us. The sun set, the boat turned and the Eiffel Tower was lit up like a giant, metal Christmas tree. I was honestly surprised at how pretty it looked. It seemed golden and shone brightly over this city. After the memories of cameras and people were filled up with this brilliant sight, the ‘fireworks’ began. Flashing lights sparkled all over the Tower; it only lasted for five minutes. The rest of the night was a lot duller than that and the next day will take us from Paris, onwards Ieper Belgium.
Sarah H.
