We wondered around for a bit, not really knowing where to go for the entrance. We waited in line for a public restroom but then ended up not using it anyway. We were concerned that the tower might close earlier than we had planned on (it was getting fairly late at this point) but we need not have worried. It was open until 11:00.
Unlike Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower was bigger than I imagined. It's massive. Each of the four legs have means of getting up to the top, either stairs or an elevator. We had planned on walking halfway up and then catching the elevator because that way is cheaper, but we were too late and the stairs had closed. It was probably just as well because it would have been a looooong walk.
This is a view from under the tower. We had to wait in a very very long line to get to the ticket counter. The people around us were openly laughing at us because we were acting like tourists and taking pictures of everything.
We finally made it to buy our tickets. Even after that we had to wait around for the next elevator and when it finally came, four of us had to stay behind. More waiting. It was like waiting in line to ride the Loch Ness Monster at Busch Gardens only it wasn't hot. After hours and hours (ok, maybe fifteen minutes) of waiting for the next elevator, it came and we boarded. It took us to the first level of the Eiffel Tower (there are three).
The view from the tower was amazing. The whole city of Paris is lit, there is not one dark spot. We milled about on the first level for a while before joining another crowd in yet another line for the elevator up to the next level.
The Seine River is particularly beautiful from the tower. The bridges are lit and so are the boats going by. It was really cool.
The second level of the tower is enclosed in glass. There are maps and descriptions of the sights you can see from the tower in the sunlight. The picture above was taken on the top level. Thankfully it was just one flight up from the second part, so we did not have to wait for the elevator. The top of the tower offers more great views of the city. There is also a champagne bar and a restroom. A flute of champagne cost 10 euros!
We decided to take the stairs down because, surprise surprise, there was an enormous line for the elevator. When we were about halfway down, the sparkling white lights came on. They come on every hour and sparkle for about 5 minutes before they turn off again. Molly and I were determined to get to the ground so we could take pictures before the sparkling lights turned off. We sprinted down the stairs and through the crowds and we made it in time to take a few good photos.
We walked away from the Eiffel Tower to try to get pictures of it lit up. The lights on it are blue now, but I don't think they are always that color. The structure itself gets its color changed too. Our tour guide said that people can vote for what color the tower should be painted next. They say hot pink is an option. Intriguing.
No comments:
Post a Comment