The sweltering Texas heat can be a real drag, especially when travel plans are grounded due to a global pandemic. But thankfully, a trip down memory lane can offer a refreshing escape from the oppressive August temperatures.
I’m reminiscing about my last trip to Paris, specifically a cool September visit. As I scroll through my photos, a group of rainy-day pictures catches my eye, transporting me back to the Eiffel Tower with my sister.
Eiffel Tower in the Rain: A Tale of Two Travelers
The Eiffel Tower telescopes, glistening with raindrops under a misty sky, bring back a flood of memories. My sister and I have always been adventurous travelers, embracing every weather condition. We’d dress accordingly and proceed with our plans, convinced that any outing could be turned into a great experience. This optimistic approach stemmed from my experiences as a chaperone for high school students on European tours. I’ve always believed that navigating life’s challenges with a positive attitude is essential, especially when encountering the unexpected. Travel, in its unpredictable nature, provides an excellent opportunity to learn how to face life’s twists and turns calmly and carry on, as the British say. Sometimes, our travel plans need to be adjusted due to weather, like swapping a day on the French Riviera for an indoor glass-blowing demonstration in a quaint village. And guess what? Those unplanned detours often create some of the most cherished memories!
But even when we keep our original destination, a rainy day can offer a unique perspective, revealing a new and captivating beauty. The view of the Invalides Museum through the mist from the Eiffel Tower is a testament to this.
Parisian Elegance, Even in the Rain
On our planned visit to the newly renovated Eiffel Tower, we found ourselves under a drizzly sky. We could have easily changed our plans, as we’d visited the Tower multiple times before. However, we were eager to see the latest renovations, including the highly publicized clear glass floor and the revamped first-floor public areas. Our decision to embrace the rain proved to be a stroke of luck. The off-season in September, combined with the inclement weather, resulted in a surprisingly sparse crowd. We had the Tower practically to ourselves! And the second-floor telescopes, sleek and coin-operated, provided an incredible close-up view of the city. The third floor also boasts telescopes for a bird’s-eye perspective.
It’s no surprise that these telescopes exude elegance. After all, we’re talking about France, a country renowned for its timeless historical design and groundbreaking avant-garde style. Paris, the ultimate city of chic, is home to the world’s most visited monument (in normal times).
Gold and Silver in the Rain: A Work of Art
The telescopes, adorned with touches of gleaming gold and silver, elevate the utilitarian object to a work of art, embodying French style in every detail. Even glistening with rain and covered in water spots, they retain their elegant charm.
