Just My Luck // Trevor Douglas

~Chapter 8~

Chapter 8

The burst of fresh air plugged into Megan’s nose as soon as she went outside into the streets. All she had with her was a phone, notebook, and a scarf that she wanted to carry around in case it got a little chilly. Instead of even seeing the sight of another train and going on it to go to the Eiffel tower she decided against that. A cab would be more efficient anyway even if she had to pay more. She wasn’t expecting to be spending this large amount of money on her trip so she had to stop by the currency exchange office in the main lobby before she left which she did beforehand. The thought of going to a nearby cafe crossed her mind and so she found one nearby thanks to the help of Google Maps that she could walk to. The name of it was the Dix Belles, which from her knowledge translated to beautiful ten. At this point it was already seven o’clock at night and Megan was so hungry. The last proper meal she ate was back on the train and she needed something to satisfy her stomach before she left on her Paris adventures. The cafe had marble tabletops, miniature square tables, and had the most delightful smell of pastries and coffees as soon as Megan had entered. The atmosphere had seemed very welcoming. After flipping through the menu a couple of times Megan finally decided to order baked potato soup, a croissant, and a cup of coffee. Megan finished her meal as fast as she could and headed to get a cab once more.

“To the Eiffel tower please.” Megan said to the cab driver.

“Yes, Miss. We’ll be there in twenty to thirty minutes.” he answered back with his thick French accent.

Megan was kind of surprised about how fast the calm streets near the hotel turned into snarling traffic in the dark. It had descended the streets to glow in luminescent colors that lit up the city. She couldn't help but smile as she gazed through the window. Time sped by so fast because as soon as she knew it the sight of the tall golden Eiffel Tower was in her presence. The only thing separating them was the glass window she had been looking through and the chaotic traffic. Megan felt a surge of excitement rushing through her body and she couldn't wait to go out. Along the streets near the Eiffel Tower were long stretches of creamy rustic buildings that look like they had been there for years seeing people coming in and out of them. There were also precise black roofs and the skylights that hung against them making them more breathtaking. Megan never felt overwhelmed though, the place overall looked like a collection of ancient palaces, museums, welcoming cafes, efficient shops, --basically everything at once. She felt in love with the city already and she couldn't get enough of it.

During this time of the year the trees leading up to the Eiffel Tower were thick and green which she appreciated. Summer had always been her favorite season of all.

"Alright miss, this is my stop," said the cab driver as he parked to the side with the rest of the cabs as well.

"Yes thank you so much. Here you go," Megan replied as she gave him the money she had in her pocket. She then rushed out of the cab and made her way to the long walkway.

This was it. The grand Eiffel Tower is in front of her right now. Despite the groups of tourists scattered throughout the area she could see the tower beautifully and clearly light up from corner to corner illuminating the city of Paris. It was such a ravishing sight to take in. Everyone around her seemed just as fascinated and amazed as she was. The tower that she had seen in her history books in elementary school was right before her very eyes and nothing could ever compare to the first moment she laid eyes on the breathtaking tower itself. She knew she had made the right decision to come here again. It was as if Paris had been begging her to come back and awaiting her return. Paris last year didn’t quite compare this time around and although she hated to admit it the city never changed but she did. The architecture was truly exquisite with is long stretched out metal legs and intricate design that had her looking up and down.  Its steel lattice structure and warm glow made it like the most important structure in all of Paris. From the second floor to the third platform, which is near the top, four balanced elevators go up and down in the area. On the first level are three-glass-confined structures, there are two levels. They both contain one restaurant: Le Parisian on the lower level and La Belle France on the upper level. Well at least that’s what the brochure said which she picked up from her hotel room. Now all she wanted was to go climb it and visit the restaurants and get souvenirs from the shops but her fate seemed to be against her.