The Gnome in the Sky - Part 1/2

Paris, France
Date: May 7, 1889
Location: “The Flying Fish”, Wuppertal Co. Zeppelin (Airborne)

Journal Entry ~ May 7th, 1889

Today I write from inside my temporary quarters in the sky with two pleasant ideas immediately coming to mind. First, how wondrous it is that the noble gas of Helium paired with steam can hold aloft a structure of metal and canvas that’s enormous weight by all means should have it plummeting to the ground as would a rock released to gravity’s will. Yet, the mastery of science convinces the natural laws to abnormally cater to mankind’s ingenuity. Second, from this height one could clearly see which attractions were most captivating the public’s attention at differing times of the day based on how the gathering crowds circulated. I dare say that while the layout of the event was indeed meticulously considered, if they had the data of human behavior from this perspective, perhaps the programmatic layout would have modifications made.

The people down below enjoying the exposition remind me of ants; if not for the incredible numbers alone in daily attendance. Speaking of arthropods, Ants could look upon our labors since we first arrived in Paris months ago, and would most likely use our efforts to convey the point of working hard before winter to their larva. It has been an enormous undertaking, for all involved, to build the massive building that would dock the Wutterpal Dirigible Airship for when the Exposition Universelle would open to the public.

I count myself blessed to be able to experience the tenth Exposition Universelle. And in Paris nonetheless, how romantic. The entire showcase stretches over 95 hectares, the Exposition fills the Champ-de-Mars, the Trocadero Hill, and the banks up to the Invalides esplanade, and the Eiffel Tower … an architectural marvel of both form and function commissioned specifically for this event … is at the centre of everyone’s view.

To think that we are positioned presently, awaiting our next group taking a tour around Paris, right next to the tallest building in the world is exhilarating. I dare to say the proximity to the Eiffel Tower is fantastic advertisement for Wutterpal Company. It is our hopes that when the world thinks on our works too it is ranked up there with Mr. Eiffel’s achievement.

As I recall, the Tower was met with immediate success, even though during the first week, the lifts were not yet in service. I conjecture that almost 30,000 visitors climbed the monument using the staircase, that is to say 1,710 steps to the top! My little legs feel tired just by thinking about that many large steps. The public no doubt wants to experience not only the dizzy heights of the ascent, but above all an unprecedented view over Paris. A view that our Zeppelin would take to the next level as we safely navigate those same eager visitors where only birds dare.

The rest of my thoughts will need to be patient before transcribed into calligraphy. The hour marker work whistle has signaled, which means my shift is starting soon. This is going to be another fine day, I am sure of it.