Saturday, April 23, 2016

A-Z Challenge: T is for The Trocadero


The Trocadero (or Place de Trocadero) is the large platform directly across from the Eiffel Tower that allows perfect photos of the iconic structure.

It has quite a history, dating back to the mid 19th century when the original Palais du Trocadero was built for the 1878 World's Fair.

Then in 1937 that palace was demolished to make room for the current Palais de Chaillot. Neither Palais was occupied by royalty, but instead served as a concert hall and now is home to a number of small museums.


For those who are regular followers of this blog, you know I have a love/hate relationship with this landmark. I had a rather embarrassing encounter here on my first trip to Paris, when I was a junior in high school. After that experience, I didn't care to see the Trocadero or the Eiffel Tower again.

But when I next returned to the city in 2006, I faced my fears and ventured once more to the site that caused me such distress.

While I knew logically the same event would not happen again (and besides, I was older and less impressionable), I was still nervous. I cautiously walked down the center of the platform, constantly looking to my right and left for any suspicious characters. I nearly held my breath as I approached the railing.

But seeing the Tower in person, rising majestically into the sky, all my fears faded away and I embraced her like a long, lost friend.

Last spring I had the opportunity to take several students to Europe, where we spent three glorious days in my favorite city. I was so excited to share this special place with them - and with my husband, who had never visited Paris before. We were all like giddy school children, staring at her with amazement and taking selfies to share with friends back home.

So while the Trocadero has a history - and is a monument in its own right - I think of it as an extension of the Tower: a place to drink in her beauty and marvel at her majesty.




13 comments:

  1. Sounds like a wonderful visit. I would love to go there sometime!

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    1. It is magical... the perfect view of the Tower.

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  2. Of course I had to go read your blog post about what happened the first time. How terrible!!! Glad you were able to face your fears and enjoy seeing the Tower!

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    1. :) ... it was an interesting experience, that's for sure. But yes, all amends have now been made.

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  3. Funny how we seem to have this in common - I had a very uncomfortable encounter in the metro when I was 17. Even in 2014 when I was in Paris the last time I avoided to take the metro during the rush hour because of this experience - not necessarily for me but for my then 16 year old daughter.
    The Trocadero, however, is a place filled with good memories, the place where after 30 years I met my Parisian friend again.

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    1. I suppose we all have these kinds of stories tucked away in our travel journals. I completely understand your desire to protect your 16 year old daughter!

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  4. The Trocadero. I found it so impressive when I'd been there for the first time! I have no idea what had happened but I am glad that you could make your peace with it.

    ClaoWue
    from
    Potpourri

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    1. The trocadero is indeed impressive and I appreciate its grandeur now, thankfully!

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  5. What a view!
    If you notice a "stalker" after the A to Z challenge, it will probably be me. I've missed so many of your Paris posts...
    Writer In Transit

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    1. I welcome stalkers :) Actually, I plan to do lots of catching up in May as well. It is difficult to keep up with writing posts AND visiting blogs, don't you think?

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  6. I love this Paris series of yours... And I just took a hop over to read the embarrassing-incident post—sheesh, bienvenue รก Paris, n'est-ce pas? Glad you were able to put it behind you and enjoy the tower, and the Trocadero, flasher-free :)

    Thanks for the visits over at Life In Dogs, and happy A2Z day off today :)

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    1. Thanks so much for the encouraging comments. Yes, I am certainly enjoying the day off before we head into the home stretch :)

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  7. It's funny how a memory can colour your perception of a place. I'm glad you made your way back and created new memories (and some lovely pictures!) Leanne @ cresting the hill

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