We stand below the dominant presence of yet another phenomena, the Obelisque engraved with the hieroglyphs of Egyptian histories. The great Ferris Wheel of la Concorde is the sole luminary in this spot, its circle symbolic of the time we have come to share. It is stopped now, encircled below by the thousand pilgrims who have come to bow in this direction. We move closer in view of the Tower and the fireworks simply surrounding and adding to its own light show. When the top row of lights ignite, fanning out beyond the Tower like the wings of time, we spark with the joy of a new beginning.
People watch, talk, kiss-there is no loud outcry, horns, or noise.
Although the height of the show has lasted but minutes, it has been a process of illumination all along. We who have moved with it allow it to touch us each in our own way. Twenty-one immense wheels, laid out down the Champs Elysees towards the Arc de Triomphe, are turning now, spinning time magically in individual spectacles created by artists, dancers and scenic designers. The spectrum of humanity presents itself in the tribute to civilization and peace we have all created tonight. The metros are jammed with throngs of people, the taxis are not to be found what to do but to walk to our next destination.