Paris, France – La Tour Eiffel

Destination: Champ de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole France, 75007 Paris. Why? To pay homage to a clever designer, a certain Gustave Eiffel, who created the blueprint for the Eiffel Tower, which was built for the International Exhibition of Paris of 1889 commemorating the centenary of the French Revolution.

The Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII of England, opened the Tower. Of the 700 proposals submitted in a design competition, Eiffel’s was unanimously chosen. At 320.75 meters (including antenna), it was the world’s tallest building until 1930. And in 2013, today, it, to me, represents grace and refinement, balance and one of my favourite spots on God’s green earth:

La Tour Eiffel located on the Champ de Mars, Paris

La Tour Eiffel located on the Champ de Mars, Paris

The tower was almost torn down in 1909, but was saved because the city used its antenna for military and telegraphy purposes, so the Tower was allowed to remain after the permit expired. When the Tower played an important role in capturing the infamous lady spy Mata Hari during WWI, it gained such importance to the French people that there was no more thought of demolishing it. Thank goodness…

La Tour Eiffel located on the Champ de Mars, Paris

La Tour Eiffel located on the Champ de Mars, Paris

I promised myself a cliché for this my third visit to Paris, and voilà! I’m wearing none other than a beret in front of the Eiffel Tower. And a black knit cape. And a stripy top. At 34 weeks pregnant I dress for myself and not anyone else, even in this the most stylish city in the world! Its a delicate balance between comfort and jazzy dressing. Plus, who could resist not wearing a classic French combo ensemble in front of a misty-moody Eiffel Tower background?

La Tour Eiffel located on the Champ de Mars, Paris: me at 34 weeks pregnant 28th October 2013

La Tour Eiffel located on the Champ de Mars, Paris: me at 34 weeks pregnant 28th October 2013

 

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