The Arc de Triomphe holds a very great surprise for me. The monument itself is impressive, evocative of glorious conquest.
One can best appreciate the greatness of this seeming unmovable structure when standing beneath it.
As we arrive, the daily ceremony pertaining to the first eternal flame in Eastern and Western Europe since the Vestal's fire was underway. I did not realize the significance of it till later.
The truly pleasant surprise to me comes from the stairway within, leading up to above the monument. It felt so organic, almost like live beating flesh, with blood coursing through, especially when viewed from below. It is vaguely reminiscent of spiraling sea shells, a reminder to me of bountiful life.
That such stark contrast can be found within the same structures is very intriguing. An angular, cold, hard and formal outer shell hiding a sinuous, warm, gentle and naturalistic interior.
Standing above the rock on an inland surrounded by wheeled contraptions from every end, I experienced another new sensation. I can't remember the last time I was in such a perfect height, overlooking a prime streets with busy traffic that everything looked like toys and models. It is hard to resist reaching out in an attempt to pluck the pedestrials or 'toy cars' from the streets.
The road towards the Louvre's direction.
The opposite direction, towards the more modern looking side of the city.
The least busy road out of the different branches of the 10 point star.
And the 2 towers - Eiffel & Montparnasse
I wonder what amazing view this vantage point will grant, on a cloudless day or at dusk and dawn.
One can best appreciate the greatness of this seeming unmovable structure when standing beneath it.
As we arrive, the daily ceremony pertaining to the first eternal flame in Eastern and Western Europe since the Vestal's fire was underway. I did not realize the significance of it till later.
The truly pleasant surprise to me comes from the stairway within, leading up to above the monument. It felt so organic, almost like live beating flesh, with blood coursing through, especially when viewed from below. It is vaguely reminiscent of spiraling sea shells, a reminder to me of bountiful life.
That such stark contrast can be found within the same structures is very intriguing. An angular, cold, hard and formal outer shell hiding a sinuous, warm, gentle and naturalistic interior.
Standing above the rock on an inland surrounded by wheeled contraptions from every end, I experienced another new sensation. I can't remember the last time I was in such a perfect height, overlooking a prime streets with busy traffic that everything looked like toys and models. It is hard to resist reaching out in an attempt to pluck the pedestrials or 'toy cars' from the streets.
The road towards the Louvre's direction.
The opposite direction, towards the more modern looking side of the city.
The least busy road out of the different branches of the 10 point star.
And the 2 towers - Eiffel & Montparnasse
I wonder what amazing view this vantage point will grant, on a cloudless day or at dusk and dawn.
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