Originally intended as a temporary structure for the World's Fair of 1889, the Eiffel Tower is widely recognized as one of the engineering marvels of the modern world. For 41 years, it reigned as the tallest manmade structure in the world. Initially, it was met with resistance. Novelist Guy de Maupassant claimed the reason he ate in the restaurant inside the tower regularly, was because it was the one place in Paris where he couldn’t see it.

Gradually it won over the people, and now it is recognized worldwide as a symbol of the city of lights.

Stunningly beautiful, especially when lit up at night, it is mindbogglingly huge. However, it can be a bit difficult to admire the beauty as one stands beneath it, as one is constantly jostled and bombarded by trinket-sellers. Keychains, scarfs, postcards, squeaky toys- we fought them all off.

Until one guy came up and said “Hey lady, you want some bling-bling?”

In his hand was a glass figure, elegant in its simplicity, capturing the essence of the romantic tower.

Then he pressed a button, and it started flashing, alternating blue, green, pink. From understated elegance to gaudy brilliance, just like that.

I, of course, had to have one. Now you can too! Stands about 7 inches tall, flashy base included, but batteries aren't.

See contest rules here.