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Postcards From Paris: La Tour Eiffel

May 13, 2012 by Nancy Lopez-McHugh 41 Comments

Tour Eiffel; La Tour Eiffel; Eiffel Tower; Paris; Travel; Champ de Mars; Eiffel Tower park; park; 7th Arrondisement; Park at Eiffel Tower; Sunday Snapshots; Photography; Food; Spicie Foodie

The cool morning breeze wakes me. I open my eyes to an unfamiliar room. I’m back in Paris! Smiling to myself because it’s another beautiful morning in the French capital.

Tour Eiffel; La Tour Eiffel; Eiffel Tower; Paris; Travel; Champ de Mars; Eiffel Tower park; park; 7th Arrondisement; Park at Eiffel Tower; Sunday Snapshots; Photography; Food; Spicie Foodie

There’s a knock at the door. We’re greeted with a warm smile and a Bonjour. Le petite dejeuner, or breakfast, has arrived. Hubby and I sit down at our small table facing a quiet residential street. Warm croissants so buttery they coat our lips, so delicate that with each bite flakes fall from our mouths. That aroma that can only come from French cafe au lait dances around our room.

Tour Eiffel; La Tour Eiffel; Eiffel Tower; Paris; Travel; Champ de Mars; Eiffel Tower park; park; 7th Arrondisement; Park at Eiffel Tower; Sunday Snapshots; Photography; Food; Spicie Foodie

Hubby has business meetings to attend and I have all afternoon to myself. Alone, but in Paris I never feel lonely.

Tour Eiffel; La Tour Eiffel; Eiffel Tower; Paris; Travel; Champ de Mars; Eiffel Tower park; park; 7th Arrondisement; Park at Eiffel Tower; Sunday Snapshots; Photography; Food; Spicie Foodie

I spend my alone time doing what I love most in Paris, walking. This time I’m walking the streets of Paris as a tourist not as a resident. No matter my reason for being here I feel the same sense of adventure and discovery  in every step I take.

Tour Eiffel; La Tour Eiffel; Eiffel Tower; Paris; Travel; Champ de Mars; Eiffel Tower park; park; 7th Arrondisement; Park at Eiffel Tower; Sunday Snapshots; Photography; Food; Spicie Foodie

I make my way to one of our old neighborhoods. Eventually ending up at the front gate of our first flat. I don’t dare type in the digicode to see if I can swing the heavy metal gate open. Instead I peek between the metal gate and down the corridor to the bright courtyard. Standing there daydreaming of our early European days.

Tour Eiffel; La Tour Eiffel; Eiffel Tower; Paris; Travel; Champ de Mars; Eiffel Tower park; park; 7th Arrondisement; Park at Eiffel Tower; Sunday Snapshots; Photography; Food; Spicie Foodie

Down the street peering from old Mansard rooftops and terracota chimneys is the famous landmark. Taking the very same route I used to every morning I head towards it. The cement sidewalks turn into gravel and grassy pathways of the Champ de Mars. There she is, La Tour Eiffel. 

Tour Eiffel; La Tour Eiffel; Eiffel Tower; Paris; Travel; Champ de Mars; Eiffel Tower park; park; 7th Arrondisement; Park at Eiffel Tower; Sunday Snapshots; Photography; Food; Spicie Foodie

Suddenly memories rush through me and I feel as though we never left. The gravel paths we walked so many times. The grass that our puppy ran around chasing other dogs. The countless picnics we had gazing up in awe at the Eiffel. That one unforgettable Bastille Day (French Independence Day) that gave me goose bumps and secretly brought me to tears. The countless hours we spent in the observation deck queue. Pretending that my fear of heights wasn’t bothering me as we looked over the magnificent views. Occasionally pinching ourselves to make sure we weren’t dreaming. But none of it was a dream it all really happened. So many cherished memories.

Tour Eiffel; La Tour Eiffel; Eiffel Tower; Paris; Travel; Champ de Mars; Eiffel Tower park; park; 7th Arrondisement; Park at Eiffel Tower; Sunday Snapshots; Photography; Food; Spicie Foodie

I find a quiet bench to rest my tired feet. Sitting there once again I am reminded of how lucky I’ve been. I live in Europe. I get to be here on this bench looking up at one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. This used to be my park, the one I walked every morning. My house used to be right down the street. And even though I don’t live here any more I get to come back for a visit. In the distance I can hear the hoards of tourist but on this pathway and by this bench no passers by. I feel as though I’m the only one here. Lucky indeed.

Tour Eiffel; La Tour Eiffel; Eiffel Tower; Paris; Travel; Champ de Mars; Eiffel Tower park; park; 7th Arrondisement; Park at Eiffel Tower; Sunday Snapshots; Photography; Food; Spicie Foodie

Gaze up and camera hanging from my neck I make my way around the tower. Wanting to take a little piece of this memorable day with me, I point the camera up. I’m looking for unique perspectives and views I could have missed. Taking my time and patiently waiting to press the shutter until the frame feels right.

Tour Eiffel; La Tour Eiffel; Eiffel Tower; Paris; Travel; Champ de Mars; Eiffel Tower park; park; 7th Arrondisement; Park at Eiffel Tower; Sunday Snapshots; Photography; Food; Spicie Foodie

On my walk back to the hotel I stopped at our old boulangerie for a baguette. It was still warm, oh how I love that. I ended my day trip to the Eiffel tower doing my two favorite things in Paris, walking and eating a piece of freshly baked baguette. It was a great day.

 

 

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Filed Under: Sunday Snapshots, Travel Postcards

« Red Chicken Pozole, Cannibalism and My Birthday
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Comments

  1. Rosa says

    May 13, 2012 at 06:37

    Gorgeous clicks! I love that retro processing…

    Cheers,

    Rosa

    Reply
    • Spicie Foodie says

      May 13, 2012 at 17:02

      Thank you Rosa!

      Reply
  2. Hester @ Alchemy in the Kitchen says

    May 13, 2012 at 10:43

    Nancy, thanks for that virtual stroll around Paris. Your photos are very atmospheric. It must have been lovely to visit your old haunts.

    Reply
    • Spicie Foodie says

      May 13, 2012 at 17:02

      Hi Hester,

      Thank you :)

      Reply
  3. Michelle says

    May 13, 2012 at 11:02

    nothing beats freshly baked baguette.

    Reply
    • Spicie Foodie says

      May 13, 2012 at 17:02

      Nope ;)

      Reply
  4. veronica gantley says

    May 13, 2012 at 11:42

    Lucky you.

    Reply
    • Spicie Foodie says

      May 13, 2012 at 17:02

      Thanks!

      Reply
  5. Nandita says

    May 13, 2012 at 12:28

    Beautiful post Nancy!!! You have captured the Eiffel to perfection :)

    Reply
    • Spicie Foodie says

      May 13, 2012 at 17:02

      Hi Nandita,

      Thank you so much;)

      Reply
  6. Flavors of the Sun says

    May 13, 2012 at 12:31

    I once lived in the 7th arrondissement and I know how lovely and awe-inspiring the Eiffel Tower is under any time of day or any circumstances. Lovely photos. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Spicie Foodie says

      May 13, 2012 at 17:03

      Hi Victoria,

      It appears we have another thing in common:) Thanks!

      Reply
  7. Priya Sreeram says

    May 13, 2012 at 13:10

    such wonderful pics; have fun

    Reply
    • Spicie Foodie says

      May 13, 2012 at 17:03

      Thank you Priya!

      Reply
  8. Suzanne Perazzini says

    May 13, 2012 at 19:02

    What wonderful light and angles you have captured. I was in Paris just before Xmas but I only had a point and shoot and there never seemed to be the time to wait for the perfect photo.
    You have made me want to return to Turin, Italy, where I lived for nine years in my twenties, just to see it again through older eyes.

    Reply
    • Spicie Foodie says

      May 13, 2012 at 19:12

      Hi Suzanne,

      That’s too bad that you didn’t have the time. But a great excuse to have to come back;) You should go back to Turin. I find it fascinating to see places from my pasts. Thank you!

      Reply
  9. Emily @ Life on Food says

    May 13, 2012 at 20:16

    Oh how beautiful. I miss Paris every day. Great photos. Enjoy every second for me.

    Reply
    • Spicie Foodie says

      May 14, 2012 at 07:17

      Hi Emily,
      Thank you and I hope you come back soon ;)

      Reply
  10. Keely says

    May 13, 2012 at 22:27

    This made my day. I connect with this so incredibly much! “Alone, but in Paris I never feel lonely.” I’ve never lived in Paris but I spent time there alone while my boyfriend was working and I have never been happier. :) have an incredible time.

    Reply
    • Spicie Foodie says

      May 14, 2012 at 07:18

      Hi Keely,

      Thank you and glad to hear you connected with my story. You know exactly how Paris can make one feel.

      Reply
  11. tania@mykitchenstories says

    May 14, 2012 at 01:36

    this was lovely to read, You caught me up in every feeling you described, and I loved the photos

    Reply
    • Spicie Foodie says

      May 14, 2012 at 07:18

      Hi Tania,

      Thank you so much:)

      Reply
  12. Eha says

    May 14, 2012 at 02:01

    You have made me smile! Thanks! Well, it is meant to be ‘April in Paris’ and I am reading this, with great enjoyment, in May, but there are more interesting views of the Tower than I have ever taken or seen :) !

    Reply
    • Spicie Foodie says

      May 14, 2012 at 07:19

      He Eha,

      Thank you so much and glad to hear that this made you smile :)

      Reply
  13. The Mistress of Spices says

    May 14, 2012 at 10:52

    Lovely writing and wonderful photographs! Paris me manque beaucoup, much more than I thought it would.

    Reply
    • Spicie Foodie says

      May 14, 2012 at 11:23

      Thank you! Well you must return for a visit very soon.

      Reply
  14. Judy@Savoring Today says

    May 14, 2012 at 11:11

    I have dreamed of visiting Paris, thank you for taking me with you on your walk today, it was so lovely to experience it from your perspective–personal, like an old friend. The photos are stunning.

    Reply
    • Spicie Foodie says

      May 14, 2012 at 11:24

      Hi Judy,

      It was my pleasure, thank you. You must realize that dream. Paris awaits you and it will be everything plus you’ve dreamed of:)

      Reply
  15. Elyse @The Cultural Dish says

    May 14, 2012 at 11:58

    Your photos make me miss Paris so much… I cannot wait to go back! Absolutely beautiful photos!

    Reply
    • Spicie Foodie says

      May 14, 2012 at 19:08

      I hope you have a blast. Well in Paris it’s pretty hard not to. Thanks :)

      Reply
  16. Jean (Lemons and Anchovies) says

    May 14, 2012 at 19:49

    What a beautiful read accompanied by equally gorgeous images. Paris captured my heart, too, and I can only imagine what it must have been like to actually call it home for a time. You have me longing to visit again. You have summed up what would have been a perfect day for me, too. :)

    Reply
    • Spicie Foodie says

      May 15, 2012 at 08:23

      Hi Jean,

      Thank you so much! You should come back for another visit soon.

      Reply
  17. Nami | Just One Cookbook says

    May 15, 2012 at 05:32

    Ahhhh so nice. I loved reading your stories pretending that it’s me. LOL. Your story ended with stopping by boulangerie for the nice warm baguette. Perfect trip to Paris…

    Reply
    • Spicie Foodie says

      May 15, 2012 at 08:32

      Hi Nami,

      Thank you:)

      Reply
  18. Victoria says

    May 17, 2012 at 16:09

    Stunning! Paris is my favorite city in the world. I’ve never been as lucky as you to have lived there, but part of my heart always lives on in the French capital. Thank you for this lovely window into your time in Paris.

    Reply
    • Spicie Foodie says

      May 17, 2012 at 19:23

      Hi Victoria,

      Thank you and it was my pleasure :)

      Reply
  19. Magic of Spice says

    May 20, 2012 at 16:01

    So gorgeous! When I finally make my way there…you must be my guide!

    Reply
    • Spicie Foodie says

      May 21, 2012 at 09:10

      Definitely!

      Reply

Trackbacks

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