Thursday, June 4, 2009

Eiffel Tower

The last thing we accomplished today was the Eiffel Tower. There are way to many "firsts" and "largest" and the like statistics about the Eiffel Tower. In the stairwell leading down from the 2nd floor (43 floors above the ground) there are statistics and factoids about the tower. (something to take your mind off the pain of walking down over 660 steps...)

There was a short line for the stairs going up.... 1666 steps. We opted for the long line to ride the elevators up.

The Eiffel Tower was originally conceived for the Universal Exhibition of 1889 - and was supposed to be up for only 7 years. But the Parisians fell in love with their new icon and it's still here today.

The top is over 1000 feet in the air, weighs more than 10,100 tons, and needs over 60 tons of paint to keep the metal from rusting.

I'd been 'near' the Eiffel Tower in the past when I was in Paris... but never this close. This thing is HUGE! It must have really been impressive back when it was first built.

After wandering around the top (that is after waiting for hours in lines) we took pictures and enjoyed the views. Rather than wait for another line to take the elevators down... we opted to take the stairs.

Today was only 12,000 steps... less than half of yesterday... but still adding up to over 24 miles walked the last two and a half days here. Yes, my legs are aching and feet sore. But we're in Paris baby!

Tomorrow we'll be heading out to Versailles to see the gardens and palaces there. I fear it will include more walking - where is the Segway tour when you need one. ;-)

Photos from the Eiffel Tower

Coming up to the Eiffel Tower from the Batobus Boat on the Seine

Looking up from the base

The base of this thing is HUGE!

Why they need to repaint the metal every seven years

The Louvre from the Top of Eiffel Tower

Kids hanging out from the top - 1000' above Paris

View of Sacre Cour from the Eiffel Tower - only fair to look back


2 comments:

Karrissa Winward said...

Looks like you had a wonderful day!! Thanks for calling me on the boat ride. It was fun to talk to you!

Richard B said...

Thanks for sharing great photo's of your trip. I was tried just reading your blog. It's a good thing Alysha's head is small so she could stick it out of Eiffel Tower. Sorry about the pick-pocket. Better have Jill sew your pockets shut. Be safe and enjoy!