Thursday, April 14, 2016

A-Z Challenge: L is for Lights

Paris is known for its fashion - its amour - and its lights.

Originally Paris earned her nickname, City of Lights, because the Latin Quarter was a beacon of enlightenment in the 17th Century - the European capitol of education and philosophy.

During Haussmann's renovation of the city, he commissioned miles of underground gas lines to accommodate the nearly 30,000 lamps across the city streets. The avenues and boulevards, along with the bridges across the Seine, literally glowed.


But recently another illuminating experience contributes to this reputation.

In 1985 lights were added to the Eiffel Tower. Each night, at the top of the hour, the lights begin to twinkle which lasts a full five minutes.

I had the pleasure of taking eighteen students to Paris last March. The tour guide led us past the Eiffel Tower on our way to the Bateaux Mouches just past dusk. The timing was absolutely perfect. As we walked along the Seine, engrossed in after-dinner conversation, the lights began to twinkle.

You should have seen those kids. The cameras came out and the selfies commenced. Squeals of delight were heard for miles around, and some literally jumped for joy. It was indeed a magical moment - an escape into an enchanted land, if only for five minutes.


18 comments:

  1. That image of your students jumping for joy is so sweet. It's so nice when something so iconic doesn't disappoint.

    Cheers - Ellen | http://thecynicalsailor.blogspot.com/2016/04/l-is-for-lazy-jacks-nancy-drew.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I so agree! And this not only disappointed, but the timing was absolutely PERFECT :)

      Delete
  2. Beautiful pictures! I'd love to see the lights on the Eiffel Tower.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hope someday you have that opportunity, Sarah. I really think you need to set your next novel in Paris so you have to do on-site research :)

      Delete
  3. Replies
    1. :)... thank you. Yes, it was absolutely magical.

      Delete
  4. So beautiful. I can only wish to go here someday.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hope you have that opportunity some day, Jillian!

      Delete
  5. Always nice to know where these things come from.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, Haussmann was quite instrumental in creating the modern day Paris

      Delete
  6. I travelled with my godchild to Paris as a present. He wasn't sure if he liked it. I guess he had some kind of a culture shock as he lived in a village in the countryside back then. But when we went out into the dark but illuminated streets of Paris he finally started to enjoy Paris. Well, and a regular breakfast at MacDo and other fast food helped as well as he was a teenager back then ;-)
    ClaoWue
    from
    Potpourri

    ReplyDelete
  7. Your experience with showing the students the lights of Paris tickled me. I can imagine them jumping up and down with delight. Actually, I can imagine myself doing the same thing. Terrific photo of the Eiffel Tower fully lit.

    Gail’s 2016 April A to Z Challenge
    Theme: The Fun in Writing #218

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much! Yes, I must admit... I did a little jumping and squealing myself :)

      Delete
  8. J here, of the #atozchallenge Arlee Bird's A to Z Ambassador Team.
    How has the challenge been going for you so far? Are you meeting your goals of posting and hopping to other blogs? M= 1/2 way point!
    My blog's giveaway is still going! I'm encouraging everyone to visit more stops.
    http://jlennidornerblog.what-are-they.com
    There's nothing like those twinkling lights! It's a wonderful city.

    ReplyDelete
  9. It must be extremly fascinating. I love any city at night, they all dress up in theri best lighting 'gown'. But the Tour Eiffel twinkling must be beautiful :-)

    @JazzFeathers
    The Old Shelter - Jazz Age Jazz

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love that description - the city dressing up in a lighted ball gown!

      Delete

Related Posts with Thumbnails