Monday, April 11, 2016

A-Z Challenge: I is for Ile aux Cygnes

The literal translation of Ile aux Cygnes is Island of the Swans.

I'm not sure I saw any swans on this adventure, but I did discover what I came to find: a replica of the Statue of Liberty.

I've had this excursion on my bucket since the late 70s, when I visited the city with fifteen other high school students. I remember it was close to dusk and the tour bus was flying down the highway. Those lucky enough to sit on the right side of the bus caught a glimpse of Lady Liberty with the Eiffel Tower behind her. I was sitting on the left side.

While I understand the Bateaux Mouches circles around this island, and perhaps provides the coveted photo opportunity, I wanted to walk there myself.

I started at the Eiffel Tower and traversed along the Seine. It was a leisurely stroll for most of the twenty minute trek. I had to cross one major street, which if you know Parisian drivers, is a death-defying act, but once I reached the island itself, the atmosphere was calm and peaceful.

It was a warm July day, but the walk reminded me of fall. There was a cool breeze, and colorful leaves lined the walkway. It was lunchtime, and several local business men and women escaped the corporate world for a while to sit on one of the park benches and enjoy a sandwich at the water's edge.

The walk took longer than I expected, and just when I wondered if I mistook one bridge for another... I saw her figure in the distance. She was every bit as beautiful as her American counterpart.

There was only one other family visiting when I arrived. I took a group photo, and then they were on their way. Only she and I remained.

This sweet lady faces towards her sister, some 3,600 miles away. And from what I understand, our beacon of freedom, welcoming the tired, the poor, the huddled masses yearning to be free - is looking towards Paris and her beloved sibling.

While I did not capture the money-shot: the statue of liberty with the Eiffel Tower in the background, I wouldn't trade this personal experience for anything.


10 comments:

  1. You were too close for the double-shot, weren't you? I did this shot once, but I didn't manage to get close.r As I had crossed the Seine it seems that I had been on the wrong side now to get onto the Ile aux Cygnes.

    Great choice for letter I!

    ClaoWue
    from
    Potpourri

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    1. Exactly - I was too close! I hope to return and take the Bateau Mouches ride and try again :)

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  2. Somehow I never saw this lovely statue in Paris. :(

    Joy @ The Joyous Living

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    1. Actually Joy... I think there are two (maybe more?) One is here on the Ile aux Cygnes and the other is in Luxembourg Gardens. I hope to find that one on my next trip :)

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  3. I watch a documentary about the Statue of Liberty and her history just a few weeks back. Fascinating story. Honestly, I didn't know there was so much history - on both sides of the Atlantic - connected to this statue.

    @JazzFeathers
    The Old Shelter - Jazz Age Jazz

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    1. Sounds like a fascinating documentary, Sarah. I will have to see if I can find it here in the states.

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  4. Beautiful pictures! I didn't know that the two statues faced each other. Very cool :)

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    1. I read that somewhere, Sarah... it could be just a romantic notion, but I hope it's true :)

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  5. Sounds like a dream come true for you. So pleased it lived up to expectations. I've only been to Paris once, but boy, did we walk, walk, walk. I remember the blisters :) Thank you for a lovely post and for sharing your journey.

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    1. I agree... Paris is most definitely a walking city! I think I averaged about 20,000 steps a day when I was there. I loved it though :)

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