The Eiffel Tower….. I visited!! Although I’m not much on hitting the main tourist sites, it is the off season so the lines won’t be long and HEY, I really want to see this symbol of Paris. I need to Experience this!

I’m getting a later start that I wanted, so we’ll see what today brings. After all, I’ve lots to see in a short bit of time. Maybe I can get Jim Morrison’s gravesite visit in today! It’s on the table.

The lines getting in can be confusing. Everyone seems to asking if they are in the correct line…..I did too!

It is a spectacular looking facility! And although I’m scared of heights….I figure, it’s here, I’m here….let’s do this!

I went for black and white on this chilly day.

Gotta get my tickets!

As I’m snaking thru the line with the other tourist I’m finding out that there are two ways to visit up there. One is it can be walked via the stairs. The other is to take the lift (elevator). I’m looking up there, watching people walk up the stairs, and thinking about this….it doesn’t take me long to come to the conclusion that I’m taking the lift!

The yellow carriages are the lifts. It’s two separate carriages but they work together…..in other words they stay together. I was a bit confused with the set-up and that it rides up at the same angle as the legs. But, then I didn’t need to understand. I just needed the lift!

The Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower was construct from 1887 to1889 as the entrance to the 1889 World Fair and named after its engineer designer Gustave Eiffel. It was first critically assailed by as we know, it soon became a cultural icon visited by millions and millions of tourist. I being one of them.

The tower is 1,063 ft tall, about the same height as an 81-storey building, and the tallest structure in Paris. Its base is square, measuring 410 ft on each side. 

The tower has three levels for visitors, with restaurants on the first and second levels. With the top level’s upper platform is 906 ft above the ground – making it the highest observation deck accessible to the public in the European Union.

On my visit the highest level was closed. It seems to avail itself to refurbishing at this time of year since the weather discourages visitors. I was okay with this…..I think.

Here’s a few views from the second first level…..

The river is The Seine River. Every time I see it or even think about it (including before my visit) I think of the Wings song….Cafe On The Left Bank https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAPvgry0-Xk

So now I’m listening to “Cafe On The Left Bank” by Wings!!! Enjoying it too…

Time for a treat…..lunch in the restaurant on the 2nd level. It was a blink of the eye from a bit of a disappointing experience.

Paris

Here’s what happened. I strolled up to the maitre’d and requested a window table (I’m in the Eiffel Tower, in Paris, France!!!) and she asked, “Do you have reservations?” (she spoke English well!), I responded, “No” and her immediate response, “No, you can’t sit near the window that’s for reservations.” And as she turned to escort us to a seat…..she turned to me (remember it was a blink of the eye, quick) and said, “Wait one moment.” She walked over to the waiter of a section that had 4 tables, one was vacant next to a young couple…just off the window. She came back (this was very quick!), smiled and said, “Follow me, I have a seating for you.) Right next to the young couple!!!

I could spit on the window….I was close (but, I didn’t spit on the window, that would have been uncouth). That was special.

Most things turned out special for me….I think it’s just all in the doing. Plus, I really didn’t care about the price, I’d thrown the budget out the window for Paris.

By this time a train ride out to Versailles was out of the question. Maybe tomorrow. Then the thought crossed my mind….hmmm The Louvre is in (my) walking distance. Lucky for me, I didn’t try that, you’ll find out tomorrow.

Peace, love, and beaches,

John

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