Factoring in the prominence of the monument, I thought I would do an entire feature on the Tour Eiffel, or the Eiffel Tower. If you see a camera shot of a metropolis scene in a movie - of busy people walking and the view over buildings and houses - the moment you see that tiny pointed arch in the hazy distance you will know that the scene takes place in Paris. It is one of the most prominent and famous monuments in the world, making it a geographical icon. In all your friends' summer abroad pictures, you will most likely see the Eiffel tower countless times. Why is it so necessary to take that many pictures of the same exact thing? I felt this exact same way until I actually encountered the massive monument in person. I think people have a need to try to relay just how prominent this architectural feature of Paris really is. It is impossible to translate the colossal size of this monument through taking a picture of it. For example, we walked away from the Eiffel, crossed the seine to the opposite bank and attempted to take a picture with the monument at dusk (middle below picture). Even then, a good ways a way, it was impossible to get the whole monument and me in the same picture. Walking underneath the base of the tower is actually quite frightening; I stared up into the center and felt dizzy because of the sheer height alone. During the day, the metal construction stands stoic and bold against the blue sky, but at night something else happens. The harshness is subdued and the Eiffel quietly shimmers and twinkles when the darkness arrives, which is one of the most charming and beautiful things I have ever seen. It is a constant reminder of where you are and where you will always remember being. Below are my favorite pictures that I took of Tour Eiffel.