PARIS AND EIFFEL TOWER THROUGH THE EYES OF A MALAYSIAN

BY ZAHARI RAZAK

PARIS, June 7 (Bernama) -- They say a visit to Paris, the fashion and
romantic capital of the world, is incomplete without a visit to the Eiffel
Tower.

So when the writer was told that he would be sent to cover an assignment in
Paris, the first thing that came up in his mind is the iconic structure in
Europe's biggest city.

The assignment was actually to cover the Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin
Yassin's visit to the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural
Organisation (UNESCO) headquarters in Paris.

And the writer wasted no time in getting there after arriving in Paris.

"After checking in a boutique hotel, Hotel de Sers, I took the opportunity
to familiarise with this romantic city.

"Immediately after stepping out of the hotel, the imposing tower was already
in my view. I was lucky because the Eiffel Tower was only a 20 minute walk from
the hotel, but the 5 degree Celsius temperature was really chilling.

It is best to see Paris by walking or by cruising the Seine river that cuts
through the city.

Moreover, taxi rides in Paris are costly - 80 euro for an hour. It's beyond
my budget!

Paris covers a vast area and by learning its vast network of public
transportation system, one can easily get to the places of interest. Going
places in Paris is no problem because of the good public transportation system.

There are boat services for those who want to cruise along the Seine river.
The good thing is that many of the places of interest in Paris are located along
the river.

"But knowing well that the Europeans prefer to walk when seeing places, I
did the same too.

"When I got near Champ de Mars, where the Eiffel Tower is located, I was
awed by the impressive view of the structure and the crowds at the base.

Built in 1889, at 324 feet (equivalent to a 81-storey tower) it was the
world's tallest tower until 1930 when the Chrysler Building in New York stole
the title. It was built to commemorate the Exposition Universelle (an
international exposition) and the centennial celebration of the French
Revolution.

A 24-meter antenna was added in 1957, something that even the tower's
original architect and builder Gustave Eiffel would probably never have
imagined.

The structure is divided into three levels with the first two levels
accessible by lift or steps with the visitors taking 300 steps if they want to
climb from the first to the second level. The third level is only accessible by
lift.

At the base there are tourists everywhere and there are long lines of people
waiting to go up. Not surprising when looking at the fact that the tower
hitherto has seen more than 200 million visitors.


THE VIEW FROM THE TOWER

You have to buy a ticket to get to the first and second level to get a view
of the Parisian landscape and see the world's most costliest restaurant - Jules
Vernes - souvenir shops and others.

The panorama of the Parisian landscape especially from the second level was
mesmerising.

"But, I was surprised to learn that Parisians were initially skeptical over
the idea of the tower that is today the landmark of Paris."


MORE TO SEE IN PARIS

France is a nation rich in cultural and arts heritage that is clearly
reflected in its buildings and people.

A visit to places like Musée du Louvre, Château de Versailles, Champs
Elysees, Centre Georges Pompidou and Arch de Triumph leaves many sweet memories.

Also one should not forget the Notre Dame de Paris, a cathedral with Gothic
architecture. This is a very old stone structure where its construction started
in 1163 and was completed in 1334.

"While I was at this building, I went around looking for the "Paris Point
Zero" located on the square facing the main entrance of Notre Dame's front
entrance.

The Paris Point Zero is actually a star shaped metal plate fixed to the
floor, it is considered the official centrw of Paris and the reference point in
measuring all distance within the city.

There is a believe that who ever steps on the Point Zero will return to
Paris.
-- BERNAMA