What I saw only in the photo, I finally saw in person - Eiffel Tower

When you first see the Eiffel Tower, there is that brief moment of silence as your brain tries to understand that it is really in front of you, and not just a photo you have seen countless times. Although I knew what to expect, when I approached the base of the tower, I was truly amazed. The day was cloudy and cold, so typically Parisian, greyish sky, a light wind passing between the metal beams and the smell of coffee coming from the nearby kiosks. But even such weather had its charm. The clouds, like a backdrop, emphasised every line and curve of the tower, making it even more imposing. Below the tower, people from all over the world, tourists, street vendors, music, laughter, and conversations in different languages. And above it all, a metal mesh screen shimmering in the cold light. ## Eiffel Tower    When you look at the details of the tower, you realise what an incredible feat of engineering it is. Every arch, every lattice has its place and purpose. What looks like a chaotic network is actually a perfectly calculated structure that distributes weight and allows the tower to withstand winds and temperature changes. Although it is made of iron, there is something light about it, as if it defies its own weight. Perhaps that is why it seems to touch the sky, not the ground.      I decided to climb as high as I could, so I entered the elevators that lead to the upper platforms. You can feel the excitement right from the start, the glass walls reveal an ever-expanding view of the city, and the feeling of sliding through an iron mesh is special. Unfortunately, it was not possible to go all the way to the top that day, because the upper platform was closed to visitors. However, that did not diminish the experience. From the floor I reached, the view was incredible, Paris stretched out in all directions like a huge work of art. On one side, you can see the Seine River, on the other, endless streets with old facades, and in the distance, Notre Dame Cathedral, barely visible through the clouds. People were taking pictures, laughing, and enjoying the moment. The wind was sharp, but pleasant, the kind that wakes you up and makes you take a deep breath. And it was at that moment that I realised that even without the sun, Paris has its own light.        When night falls, Paris takes on a whole new energy. The Eiffel Tower turns into a golden flame, illuminated by over 20,000 bulbs that flicker every hour. I stood under it as the light show began. People were silent for a few seconds, and then there was a sigh from the crowd, that “ah” that comes spontaneously when you see something that touches you. The light illuminated the sky, and the tower shone as if it were breathing. Every flicker of light was reflected in the gazes of the people around me. At that moment, I understood why it is called the city of light, not because of the lamps themselves, but because of the feeling that ignites something warm inside you.         The Eiffel Tower is not just a tourist attraction. It is a place where one feels both admiration and peace at the same time. As I watched its silhouette disappear into the night, I thought about how incredible it is that something made of iron can look so alive. No matter how many times you see it in pictures or in movies, nothing can prepare you for the moment when you stand under it.