Paris, France

In May of 2005, my Dad and I took a one-day trip to Paris while we were visiting London. We rode the train through the Euro Tunnel.

A BIG ARCH

Arc de Triomphe, or the The Triumphal Arch, dates back to 1806, when Napoléon
commissioned Chalgrin to build an arch to the glory of the French Army. It now stands as a major tourist destination in Paris.

THE EIFFEL TOWER

I don't think this needs any explanation. The Eiffel Tower is still one of the modern marvels of the world. And, it is much bigger than I imagined. I grew up looking at the Eiffel Tower at Kings Island amusement park in Cincinnati, and I would now consider that a miniature model of the read McCoy in Paris. This was the highlight of my time in Paris.

VIEW FROM THE TOP

A great view from the Eiffel Tower -- and we were only on the "second floor." We didn't even go to the top due to time constraints.

ST. JOAN

Dad and I found this gold-plated statue of the great heroine, St. Joan of Arc, while waiting for our bus to take us to he train station.

GOLDEN TOP

Yet another gold-plated statue, this one was on the top of a small tower. The thing about Europe is you see these kinds of statues everywhere, but you won't find them in the United States. They say when you travel Europe, there is always something to see around the next corner -- and a lot of it is older than my home country. Americans treasure things that are 50-100 years old (in fact, many antiques start at just 25 years old). But overseas, 100 years old is nothing when you can find artifacts, statues and castles that are 500-1,000 years old or more.

SECONDARY LIGHTS

I know what you are saying, "why did Dean take a picture of a stoplight?" Well, look closer. Do you see the small stoplight under the big one. These are located all over Paris for the bicycles, motorcycles and small cars. I just thought this was a pretty cool thing.

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