By Jeremy Patton
The Eiffel Tower is located on Champ de Mars in Paris, France. It is easy to find because it can be seen from pretty much everywhere in the city.
Constructed as an entrance for the 1889’s World Fair, it stands 1063 feet, with a square base of 410 feet on each side. It is named after Gustave Eiffel, whose company designed and built it. It was criticized by artists and intellectuals for being ugly and unfeasible, but now it is the world’s most visited paid monument.
In 1998, I climbed the stairs to the second of three platforms, but was required to take an elevator the rest of the way. There might have been a reduced fee for the stairs, but I cannot remember. I would have completed the climb, with or without the incentive, because it would have added to my sense of accomplishment. The stairs created a precarious feeling of being both inside and outside the tower. They also provided opportunities to closely examine its impressive architecture.
The cramped and crowded observation deck caused me to leave sooner than I would have liked. Regardless, I was glad that I ascended the tower and I recommend it for anyone visiting Paris for the first time. Like most tourist attractions, it is best to go early, on a weekday.
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Ice Cream for the Wealthy
All that climbing had fueled my appetite, so I approached a food stand close to Champ de Mars. I stood in line for quite a while, then inquired about the price of an ice cream cone. I had developed a habit of asking before ordering.
The vendor told me the price, but it took a few moments to do the conversion in my head from francs to dollars. It turned out to be nearly $9. I said “I’ll pass on that” and scuttled away. I walked beyond the tourist area, perhaps a mile, then found a restaurant with relatively fair prices.
I am a cheap bastard, but I am willing to splurge a little on vacation. I am not willing to be financially raped. Always ask for prices before you order, otherwise the waiter might set that glass of Coke down on your table then charge $20.
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Thugs Try to Rob Me Near the Eiffel Tower
I was a bit of a risk-taker when I was young. That was how I got myself into the following predicament, along with not paying attention to my surroundings.
I lived in Segovia, Spain for a three-month study abroad program in 1998. During Semana Santa (Spain’s holy week), I decided to travel to France and England, alone, which was intimidating for an inexperienced 20-year-old. I probably would have completed the trip without incident had I not made one crucial mistake.
I was finishing my third and final day in Paris, viewing the Eiffel Tower. I grew tired. I crossed a nearby street where some sort of carnival with bright lights and small rides operated. Above it rose a series of stairs and landings that led to another street, and the nearest metro station. I wanted to get to my hotel early so I could rest for the long train-ride back to Spain.
Rather than ascend near the street lamps, I decided for whatever reason, to walk through a dark corridor. It was lined with benches and a perimeter wall.
A thin man, perhaps my age or younger, stepped in the front of me. He jabbered in French and motioned as if bumming for a cigarette. I peripherally spotted two more silhouettes flanking me from the shadows. I knew then that I was in trouble and chided myself for making such a foolish mistake.
My backpack was slung over my shoulder; I carried it everywhere and never left it in the hotel. It contained my traveler’s checks, passport and other important documents. I was willing to do whatever it took to defend it.
Rage boiled away whatever fear I initially felt. I cursed and threatened the man. His goal was to distract me while his buddies closed in, I knew, so I wheeled around and bolted downhill toward the carnival.
One of the thugs tried to block me, but I punched his face and charged over him without looking back. My fist hurt for weeks.
I reached the carnival and glared uphill where the thugs still lingered. I taunted and yelled and tried to lure them down, but they remained at the edge of the shadows. I was appalled that they had tried to rob me. I wondered how many innocent people they had robbed in the past?
I went to a food stand and asked the vendor to call the police (it might have been a tourist information booth, I cannot recall). He did so politely, but did not seem particularly interested. This scenario no doubt happened a thousand times a day in Paris.
I waited for thirty minutes, then an hour. I stormed away in frustration, the thugs having moved on long ago.
What I did wrong:
1. I traveled alone in a foreign country.
2. I blundered into a dark corridor, when I could have easily chosen one that was more populated and well-lit.
What I did right:
1. I accessed the situation and reacted without hesitation.
2. I ran. The thugs outnumbered me, and there could have been more than three. They could have been armed. Having a big ego and standing my ground probably would not have ended well. I am glad that I punched one of the scumbags; I hope he is still in a coma.
Added 7/22/17 – Updated 8/1/26