Embarking on a dream named Paris - Exploring the enchanting city of Paris

Perhaps everyone has a dream in life, and Paris is one of the beautiful dreams I've had since childhood. Paris - a culture entirely different from the Asian or Southeast Asian countries I have visited. Paris - a place with the majestic Eiffel Tower against the blue sky, charming little houses with balconies adorned with vibrant flowers, and outdoor cafes bathed in sunlight.

On a sunny summer day in May, I set foot in the land I had longed for. For someone who had never traveled beyond Southeast Asia like me, the first sight of Paris was overwhelming and awe-inspiring. Charles de Gaulle Airport was vast and exhausting to navigate; the metro and bus system for a first-time explorer like me posed a challenge in finding the right route to the hotel. Despite it being summer, the Parisian evening at 9 p.m. was still bright. The early morning was chilly, and I could still see the elegant Parisian boys and girls in trench coats.

Paris on a radiant morning in May

Eiffel – The Lovely Iron Lady

The first stop for a first-timer in Paris? It's rushing straight to the Eiffel Tower to witness the iconic symbol of Paris and France, a dream I've carried since childhood. I affectionately call the Eiffel Tower the lovely Iron Lady, envisioning it as a Parisian woman, both charming and graceful. The Eiffel Tower, an architectural masterpiece of steel, sits in Champ-de-Mars park, along the Seine River, designed by engineer Gustave Eiffel and colleagues. Construction began in 1887, completed in 1889 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution and welcome the 1889 World's Fair. This 7,000-ton structure is assembled from two separate parts, with the foundation built on 4 column supports, and the slender, pointed tower standing on a solid base. In addition to a staircase, there is an elevator located at three points of the tower. The elevator takes visitors to the first floor at a height of 57 meters, covering an area of about 4,200 square meters, accommodating approximately 3,000 people. Surrounding this level is a walkway along the outer edge, allowing tourists to admire a 360° panoramic view of Paris through pre-arranged observation glasses. For centuries, the image of France and the capital Paris has been inseparable from the Eiffel Tower. One cannot envision Paris without the Eiffel Tower.

To behold the most beautiful view of the Eiffel Tower for me is at Trocadéro Square. Stepping out of the subway station onto the sunlit and vast square, it feels like one can embrace the entire Eiffel Tower and Paris just by reaching out. The childhood dream has come true, right here and in this moment.

Eiffel_The Lovely Iron Lady

Eiffel_The Adorable Iron Dame

Capturing all of Paris in a gaze

Every time I sit on an airplane, the moment of descent is my favorite. The first glimpses of the place I'm about to visit unfold beneath the plane's wings, sparking curiosity and excitement. Any scene, building, city, or street viewed from above becomes uniquely beautiful. The same goes for Paris, where you can admire the city from above on the 56th floor of the Montparnasse Tower. Montparnasse, also known as Maine-Montparnasse, was the tallest building in France until 2011 and is now the second tallest. Built from 1969 to 1973 in the Montparnasse district of the 15th arrondissement, Paris, this tower has 59 floors and stands at a height of 210 meters. The architects involved in designing Maine-Montparnasse were Jean Saubot, Eugène Beaudouin, Urbain Cassan, and Louis Hoym de Marien, with the construction carried out by the Vinci Group.

Paris View from Maine Montparnasse

A Glimpse of Paris from Maine Montparnasse

Paris Unveiled from Maine Montparnasse

Exploring the Rodin Museum

Not the Louvre, not Musée d'Orsay; on my inaugural visit to Paris, I made a beeline for the Rodin Sculpture Museum to behold The Thinker. François-Auguste René-Rodin (1840-1917), known simply as Rodin, a celebrated French sculptor, is regarded as a trailblazer in the modern art movement. His sculptures vividly and naturally depict the soul of each character he seeks to convey. The Thinker stands out among Rodin's masterpieces, depicting a man with his chin resting on his right hand, bent over in profound agony. Rodin's portrayal captures the inner turmoil of this figure with intense authenticity.

What does The Thinker contemplate? Perhaps only its creator can unveil the profound secrets of one of the most enigmatic sculptures by the sculptor. The renowned statue has been replicated in various sizes and materials, from large bronze and stone statues to keychain versions, often purchased by tourists.

Furthermore, the Rodin Museum exhibits numerous other famous sculptures like Le Baiser – The Kiss, The Three Shades, The Burghers of Calais, each a noteworthy piece of art deserving admiration.

The Thinker – Contemplating Soul

Beautiful Bridges of Paris

Perhaps Paris is the city of bridges, with 37 spanning the Seine River, connecting the banks and witnessing historical shifts and the flow of time from classical to modern eras. My favorites for a leisurely stroll are Pont des Arts and Pont de Bir-Hakeim.

Paris, the dreamy city of lovers, boasts Pont des Arts, constructed in 1801 under Napoleon Bonaparte, affectionately known as the lock bridge, symbolizing everlasting love. Previously adorned with thousands of love locks attached by couples, thrown into the river with hopes of eternal love, Pont des Arts has had its locks removed for safety reasons. Nevertheless, the romantic ambiance and the bridge's significance as a witness to love endure. Photographers, painters, street artists often choose this spot for art exhibitions.

I dub Pont de Bir-Hakeim as the Dream Bridge not only because it gained fame after the filming of Inception but also for its dream-like, romantic scenery. For me, Pont de Bir-Hakeim is the perfect spot to admire the Eiffel Tower, with tourist boats creating a lively buzz on the Seine, and distant bridges making Paris feel both familiar and mysterious. Notice the upper part of the bridge supported by a line of metal columns and a central brick arch, featuring four stone statues: 'La science et le travail' by Jules Coutan, 'L’electricité et le Commerce' by Jean-Antoine Injalbert, and below, 'La France renaissante' by Wederkinch.

Pont de Bir-Hakeim Bridge

The iconic setting of the movie Inception, Pont de Bir-Hakeim Bridge, is a cinematic marvel.

A Romantic Kiss in Paris

Charming Café in Paris

Paris holds my heart

Some highlights in Paris

Whether you have just one day, a couple of days, or even a week in Paris, don't miss these pocket-friendly experiences in the City of Light:

Five days in Paris seem insufficient to explore all the charming little streets, taste all the sweet pastries I desire, and truly immerse myself in a deep and close encounter with Paris. There are still many places I want to see firsthand, so until next time, my Paris./

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