Monthly Archive: July 2014

Hello world!

Welcome to my Paris impressions. Photos and stories from the month I spent studying the Medieval History of Paris. Thanks to Teo Ruiz who taught me how to fully engage with the program, I will forever love Paris and plan to return every year from now on.

“Love Locks” on the Bridges of Paris

Walking along the Seine and enjoying the bridges of Paris you notice all of the locks that visitors have placed on the bridges as symbols of their love. The first locks may have been a real expression of love but you can see how the locks have become commercialized. Before you can walk the bridges, you are approached by vendors with a variety of locks you can purchase. On the bridges there are more vendors encouraging you to purchase a lock.

498The locks have taken over the bridges and their weight causes damage to the bridges. The locks block the view and have become real eye sores.

499IMG_1162

I didn’t really notice how the locks block the view and detract from the overall beauty of Paris until I was examining my photo of a beautiful bride that I happened to catch on the bridge. As I checked the background, I was disappointed to see all of the locks.

IMG_2432

Perhaps the bride had come to the bridge for the locks, but more probable, she had come to the bridge to have the Eiffel Tower or some other incredible landmark as background.

When you go to Paris resist the temptation to “show your love” by placing a lock on the bridge or any other structures, like the Flame of Liberty.

IMG_4069

 

 

 

Click here for more information about Love Locks or to sign the petition to eliminate love locks and find an alternative way to express your love.

 

“The Eiffel Tower”

Being able to see the Eiffel Tower everyday is inspiring. It looks a little bit different from every place you view it, and from the various times of day and night. From the top of The Arc de Triumph on a semi-cloudy day you get a feel of just how massive the Eiffel Tower is and how much the Eiffel Tower holds the attention of the entire city.

IMG_2398From the Citadine about midnight, during one of the nightly lightshows, you are treated to a different feeling of the Eiffel Tower. Your eyes and your heart have a chance to twinkle and smile along with the lights from the Tower. Enjoy these images that represent just two of the multiple personalities of the Eiffel Tower and check back soon to see more images of Paris.

IMG_2548