Friday, July 31, 2015

The Eiffel Tower





The DMS was lucky enough to visit Paris, France. We had an amazing trip and learned so much about French history. Plus, the views around every corner are breathtaking. We wish we could have taken our lovely readers along, but since we couldn't, we thought we'd share our travels with you...



I don't know about you, but when we think of Paris, the Eiffel Tower comes to mind. It's a monument we'd always wanted to see, and on our recent trip we were lucky enough to visit this historic landmark. We were able to enjoy it's grandeur from various places around the City of Lights.

View from our hotel balcony.
We've seen pictures of the elegant tower, but we really didn't know much about it. Luckily, we took a tour to the top with Jason from Easy Pass Tours. Not only was he entertaining, but we learned a lot too!


It's hard to imagine that when this magnificent structure was designed for the 1889 World's Fair it was only meant to be up for a few months. Even harder to imagine- it was despised by most of the people in Paris at the time. Thank goodness, Eiffel (the architect) made a deal to have the tower up for 20 years, and that he would pay for it to be built, therefor he'd retain all the money made from tourism to pay himself back. By the time the deal was up, it was one of the most visited structures in the world, and it's height allowed for radio transmission at the top, making it a very valuable spot.

Elevator operators back in the day had a tough job being on the OUTSIDE of the elevator to control the hydraulic system. Statues on the lifts/elevators tip their hats to this unique profession. 
We never knew the Eiffel Tower was once red or yellow. It's been a long time since it's been any other color than the brownish hue it has now. There was once a post office, sleeping quarters, and advertisements on the tower. Who knew? Although the the tower has changed over the years, one thing that has stayed the same- the stunning views of a most magical city.

Seine River from the tower.
Champ de Mars
The DMS taking in the sights!
Have you ever been to the Eiffel Tower? Would you like to take a visit? We'd love to hear your thoughts! 

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Posted by DMS at 5:00:00 AM

24 comments:

  1. BlogorattiJuly 31, 2015 at 7:44 AM

    Beautiful city and photos indeed.

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  2. Beverly Stowe McClureJuly 31, 2015 at 9:00 AM

    I had no idea it was built that long ago. What a wonderful adventure for you. Thanks for giving us a glimpse of this fascinating city.

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    1. DMSAugust 4, 2015 at 10:31 AM

      Beverly- I was surprised to learn about its history too! Glad you enjoyed a look at Paris. :) ~L

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  3. bettyJuly 31, 2015 at 9:09 AM

    I learned something new today about the Eiffel Tower. I am glad that it was eventually kept. You are right, when I think of Paris, the Eiffel Tower is the first thing I think about. Sounds like a wonderful trip!

    betty

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    1. DMSAugust 4, 2015 at 10:41 AM

      Betty- It was amazing to me to think that the Eiffel Tower was almost torn down in the 1800s. It is the first thing that comes to mind when I think of Paris. So glad it stayed! :) ~L

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  4. UnknownJuly 31, 2015 at 10:42 AM

    I'm probably the only person that never had a desire for France, (so many other places come to mind I want to visit!) but the Eiffel tower is amazing and I NEVER knew the history! beautiful photos!

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    1. DMSAugust 4, 2015 at 10:46 AM

      Beth Ellyn Summer- You are right- there are so many places to visit. I know I won't get to all the places I would like to go, but it is fun seeing what I can. :) Hope you get to cross some places off your list soon! ~L

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  5. Meradeth HoustonJuly 31, 2015 at 10:53 AM

    I've been to the tower, but learned a few things here today! It is such a lovely sight!

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    1. DMSAugust 4, 2015 at 10:46 AM

      Meradeth- It really is lovely and graceful. Glad you learned a few things too! :) ~L

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  6. Launna July 31, 2015 at 11:51 AM

    Wow... I've never been to Paris... but it's a city I want to visit for sure... I would love to see it from the Eiffel Tower ♡

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    1. DMSAugust 4, 2015 at 10:47 AM

      Launna- It is a great place to visit and if you go seeing the Eiffel Tower is a must (you can see it from many places in the city- but up close is amazing). :) ~L

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  7. BirgitJuly 31, 2015 at 12:52 PM

    Oh yes, I have been there and it is majestic. Great view you had of the city! I have a phobic fear of heights so I did not go up but my ex did (married at the time) and he mailed our postcards from the post office up there. I guess it is no longer there-sad.

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    1. DMSAugust 4, 2015 at 11:01 AM

      Birgit- I can understand not wanting to go to the top if you have a fear of heights. It was very high! I wish they still had a post office at the top. Now, they do have one- but it is on the ground floor (so you could have sent the postcards) and it is only open 3 months out of the year (I think). The postcards are no longer stamped with the Eiffel Tower, but Paris instead. We missed the post office because we had read about it being at the top- but next time we can mail one from the ground floor post office. :) ~L

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  8. Elephant's ChildJuly 31, 2015 at 4:20 PM

    I have never been. My parftner's nephew is there at the moment. He wanted to eat at the restaurant at the top - but his pockets weren't deep enough. Not nearly deep enough. He loved the view though.
    Thank you for the history - and the iconic photos.

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    1. DMSAugust 4, 2015 at 11:03 AM

      Elephant' Child- We didn't eat at the restaurant either because it was too expensive for us. But- what a great view for those who can afford it.Glad your partner's nephew enjoyed the view too. :) ~L

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  9. Gloria BakerJuly 31, 2015 at 6:51 PM

    The pictures look beautiful Jess!! Hope to go Paris some day:)))

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    1. DMSAugust 4, 2015 at 11:04 AM

      Thanks, Gloria! I hope you get to Paris one day too! :)

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  10. BarbaraAugust 1, 2015 at 6:34 AM

    The photos are beautiful thank you for sharing them. I will be following in your footsteps soon - can't wait!

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    1. DMSAugust 4, 2015 at 11:04 AM

      Barbara- So glad you enjoyed the photos! Can't wait to hear about your trip. Enjoy every minute. :) ~DMS

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  11. Olivia's CatastropheAugust 2, 2015 at 7:32 AM

    I have once been to the Eiffel Tower and it really was a wonderful time. I can't wait to see it when we go again! The view from the top is really astounding, isn't it?

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    1. DMSAugust 4, 2015 at 11:05 AM

      Olivia- Savannah- How cool that you have been to the Eiffel Tower. The view is just amazing! I think it is something that would be just as impressive the second time. Enjoy! ~DMS

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  12. Anna (herding cats-burning soup)August 23, 2015 at 10:56 PM

    What awesome pics :) It is crazy to think it was just supposed to be up for a short time. I was reading about the Chicago Fair and it's just amazing how vast they were and that everything was so temporary. Would have been incredible to see in real life.

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    1. DMSAugust 25, 2015 at 3:29 PM

      Thanks, Anna! I was amazed that it was only supposed to be up for a short time too. It is amazing how much effort everyone put into such temporary fairs/events. I would have liked seeing them in real life too! :) ~L

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