The Sparkling Eyes of the Eiffel Tower

You know the feeling of falling in love, when this person, once a complete stranger, creates these blinders in your brain? This all consuming feeling that nothing else matters except the person right in front of you, stealing your every thought. The longer you look, the harder you fall. This is what it's like to look at the Eiffel Tower for the first time. I know what you're thinking - what a cliche, Paris - "The city of love", of course, we are starting with a romantic analogy. There’s a reason it has earned its long appointed nickname, though it's not always about romantic love. That being said, I did see 2 adorable marriage proposals in the 4 hours I sat under the Eiffel Tower. The magical feelings of falling in love are no less than what you experience sitting on a picnic blanket with a bottle of wine under one of the most gigantic and glorious wonders of the world. Although it is not officially deemed one of the 7, I am of the opinion that it should be the 8th.

Now that you're sufficiently daydreaming with hearts in your eyes, I am going to tell you how to enjoy a perfect day at the Eiffel Tower (not that there is any way for it to go wrong).

First, look at your travel buddy, boyfriend, girlfriend, mom, dad, and ask yourself, "Is this person going to bring bad vibes to my perfect French day?". If the answer is in any way a yes, please leave them at home with a glass of wine and a croissant. If the answer is no, grab your picnic blanket and get ready to hop on

the metro. I recommend going around sunset (7-8pm in the summer and 5pm in the winter) and staying until the Eiffel Tower stops sparkling!

Next, find your closest supermarché and fill your basket with all the goods - wine, cheese, meats, a baguette traditionnelle, and of course, more wine! When in Paris, do as the Parisians do (because yes, the Eiffel Tower is both a locals’ and tourist spot alike!). Once your basket is sufficiently full, head over to the Champ de Mars (the perfect viewing location).

When you arrive, any spot is a good spot - so spread your blanket & your spoils, plop down, and lose yourself in your surroundings. The sounds of different languages bouncing around you, the laughs, the buzzing energy of the Champ de Mars. Have some wine & cheese. Observe your surroundings and discover the uniqueness of the city and its inhabitants. Play some cards (you should definitely bring cards!). Stare mesmerizingly into the sparkling eyes of the Eiffel Tower. And finally, be present in a moment that you will remember for the rest of your life!

There are few things I can remember as vividly as experiencing the Eiffel Tower for the first time. The way its size and stature captivated my attention from the moment I laid eyes on it, to the feelings of gratitude I had for being able to travel across the world to see something so spectacular. Paris is a special place, and at the core of it lies the Eiffel Tower. I believe it is a fundamental human right to see it just once!

Look at her sparkle!