Chapter 25 Chapter 23 The Great Exposition

In 1890 a great exposition was held in Paris.I had long read in the press the details of the preparations for the exposition, and I was eager to see Paris.I therefore thought it best to kill two birds with one stone, and to go to Paris at this very moment.The most notable feature of the exposition is the Eiffel Tower, which rises to about 1,000 feet and is constructed entirely of steel.Of course, there were many other interesting things in the exposition, but the iron tower stood out the most, because at that time people thought it was impossible for such a tall building to stand on the ground.

I had long heard that there was a vegetarian hotel in Paris, and I took a room there for seven days.I tried to save money on my expenses, including the journey to Paris and the visits thereafter.Most of my trips in Paris are on foot. I have a map of Paris and the route map and guidebook of the exposition. These tools are more than enough to guide a person to the main streets and places of interest. Of this exposition I can recall nothing but its grandeur and content.I remember the Eiffel Tower very well, because I have climbed it two or three times, and to show that I have also eaten at a high place, I ate a meal on the first platform of the tower for seven shillings. lunch.

The old cathedrals of Paris are still in my memory, and their grandeur and tranquility are unforgettable.The wonderful architecture of Notre Dame de Paris and the gorgeous sculptures and exquisite decoration inside are unforgettable.At that time, I felt that unless people's hearts were filled with love and respect for God, they would not spend millions of dollars to build such a sacred and magnificent cathedral. Early on, I read a lot about Paris fashion and anecdotes, which can be seen on every street.Yet the churches stand eerily out of these scenes.Once people walk into these churches, they will immediately forget the noise and busyness of the world.When he passed people kneeling before the statue of the Virgin, his attitude changed, becoming solemn and reverent.The sentiments I had at the time had been growing in me, and it seemed to me that those who kneeled in prayer were by no means superstitious; nor were devout souls kneeling before the icon of the Virgin just to adore that piece of marble.They are people burned with sincere devotion, and they worship not the stone, but the god it symbolizes.The impression I had at that time was that they did not do any harm to God's glory, but rather added to it.

I have to say a few more words about the Eiffel Tower.Today I don't know what it is for, but what I heard back then was both slander and praise.I remember Tolstoy as the chief critic of it.He said the Eiffel Tower was a relic of people's stupidity rather than their wisdom.He said tobacco was the worst of all narcotics, because a man addicted to it would commit crimes a man would not dare to commit if he was drunk; Build castles in the air.The Eiffel Tower is one of the creations of people under this influence.There is no art in the Eiffel Tower, and in no way can it be said that it contributes to the true beauty of the exposition.The reason why people rush to watch and climb the tower is because of the novelty and hugeness of this building.In fact it was a toy at the fair.As long as we are in the mood of a child, we will be fascinated by toys of all kinds.This tower just goes to show that we're all still kids who are easily fooled by decorations.This may be the purpose of the Eiffel Tower being built.