By Guest, Stephanie Burkhart
The Eiffel Tower in Paris, France is one of the most
recognized structures in the world. But what makes it a romantic getaway? The
awe-inspiring views? The beauty of the structure? It's testament to stand the
test of time? It's ability to stir the heart and soul of a nation?
I visited the Eiffel Tower for the first time in 1987 when I
was 19. Almost immediately, I was struck by how imposing it was – tall and
strong – it loomed over the city with a silent, yet steady heartbeat. I went to
each floor and the view from each took my breath away. The sight of Paris
thriving, moving, breathing, stirred my soul like a rousing rendition of
Mozart's "Moonlight Sonata."
In 1992, I went back to the Eiffel Tower with my
"sweetie." As I suspect all young lovers do, we shared a kiss
underneath the romantic monument.
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| The Eiffel Tower at night |
The Eiffel Tower is a testament to what human determination
and imagination can accomplish. It's a reminder of not only France's industrial
age, but the world's. Maybe that's at the heart of its romantic appeal?
How did such a monument come to stand the test of time?
In 1889, Paris hosted the World's Fair and wanted to
commemorate the 100 year anniversary of the French Revolution. Competing plans
for a monument were submitted to the committee. The structure was intended as
the entrance arch for the Fair.
Eiffel and Campagnie won the commission based on a design by
Maurice Koechlin, a structural engineer in the company. Gustave Eiffel had a
reputation for building quality bridges, buildings, and train stations. His
company had also assembled the Statue of Liberty. Eiffel was not initially
excited about the tower and told Koechlin to add more ornate flourishes. After
he saw the revisions, Eiffel's enthusiasm for the tower grew.
Construction started in January 1887 and the tower opened in
1889. Many Parisians thought it was an eyesore. Famed novelist Guy deMaupassant
detested the tower so much he often had lunch in the restaurant located at the
base so he could avoid looking at it.
The tower had a 20 year permit. In 1909, the tower would
become the property of Paris and slated for demolition. However, the structure
proved useful as a radio telegraph tower. City officials decided to spare it.
During World War I, the tower intercepted and jammed German radio transmission.
During World War II, Hitler ordered the tower destroyed. That never happened,
allowing the structure to become a symbol of the heart of the French nation.
Today, the tower is 124 years old.
Did you know?
Gustave Eiffel was born Gustave Bonickhauser? He officially
changed his name in 1880.
Question: Have you been to the Eiffel Tower? What's the
appeal for you? If you have a picture of you at the tower, I'd love to see it.
Post a link the comments.
I'll pick a random commenter to receive one of my Print
backlist books: THE HUNGARIAN, THE COUNT’S LAIR, DANUBE IN CANDLELIGHT. Please leave
your email so I can get in touch with you.
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| Stephanie Burkhart, Author |
Stephanie Burkhart is an award winning romance
and children's author. She works for LAPD as a 911 dispatcher, loves coffee,
and adores chocolate.
Her latest novel is THE SECRET DOOR, Book 4 in the Budapest
Moon Series.
Reviews:
"The Secret Door's exciting action, paranormal
elements, and romance will not disappoint a reader." - Joy Cagil, Amazon
Reader
"I
was quite pleased to find an original take on the werewolf mythology and was
impressed by the author's choice of location and historical accuracy. The
Secret Door is a fun read and is highly recommended." - 5 Stars, Jack
Magnus, Reader's Favorite Reviews,
" There is plenty of action and strife in this
story as well as softer and tenderer emotions between the couples. Overall, I
found the story entertaining." 3 Cups, HCHarju, Coffee Time Romance
"The author held me captive until the end." –
Deal Sharing Aunt
"A Great Read." – Rookie Romance
BLURB:
It's 1927 and Lord Zoltan Kristos, Hungary's Minister of
the Interior, takes great pains to hide the fact he's a werewolf from the
world. Despite his efforts, he's recognized when he goes to the
Austrian-Hungarian border to inspect the area for damage from a recent rare
earthquake.
Zoltan is accused of stealing Kurt Meklau's witch, Inna,
and is recklessly pursed to Volturn Manor, a residence belonging to another
werewolf family, the Vargas. After a fight with Meklau, Zoltan barely escapes
and his adversary is found dead.
Sophia Varga and Tomas Martin find Zoltan. Sophia is
determine to attend to Zoltan's injuries and protect her home, but when Kurt's
father, Marcus, comes seeking revenge, Sophia is tested like never before. As
Zoltan and Sophia work together, attraction and desire flame between them.
Will the secrets Volturn Manor harbors offer Zoltan and
Sophia the clues they need to defeat Marcus and give them the opportunity to
explore their feelings for one another?
EXCERPT:
He looked her over seductively. His heart skipped a beat
with desire. She rubbed the lotion into her hands and placed them on his
stomach. He groaned, reaching out with his left hand and threading his fingers
into her hair, jerking her head back so they were eye-to-eye. She set her jaw.
His pulse pounded. Something intense flared between them, yet she kept her
hands on his abdomen. Encouraged, Zoltan tugged her toward him, pressing her
chest against his. Her nostrils flared and her brow furrowed in confusion.
He stopped, reminding himself he needed to offer a
choice. "Do you want me to kiss you?"
"No." The sound of her denial was weak. He
held her close.
"Do you want me to release you?"
"No."
"How should I solve my predicament?"
"I don't know."
"I do." He leaned close, her sweet fruity
scent sending his senses into overdrive. He placed his lips on her jaw and
kissed her.
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I've been there; liked the views.
ReplyDeleteI follow via email.
bn100candg at hotmail dot com
Hey an eye opener!!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed the wonderful history behind the awesome Eiffel Tower!