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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Locks of Love

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...





As you walk along the Seine River in Paris, your eyes can't help but notice the glitter shining in the sunlight. Upon closer inspection, it's clear the sparkle comes from thousands of locks fastened to the bridges, and to each other.

At first it seemed like there was one bridge dedicated to the locks, but the more we walked, the more we saw. Locks everywhere! Names and dates are scrawled on most of them- marking an anniversary or the date of the visit.

This got us thinking. The idea of putting a lock on a bridge to cement love seemed very romantic. Was this a tradition that had been going on for hundreds of years? We looked it up and were surprised to discover that while the tradition is believed to date back almost 100 years, securing locks to bridges in Paris was relatively new. (You can find out more about the history from Wikipedia). It's believed to have started sometime around 2008 in France. Paris isn't the only city to have love locks showing up on bridges, they are found in cities all over the world.

In June 2015 many of the locks in Paris were removed from one of the bridges, the Pont des Arts, because the massive combined weight of the locks was causing the bride to crumble. Some cities welcome the locks and have places for tourists to secure them, but in cities where the locks are considered vandalism tourists have been asked to stop leaving them behind. There are even signs asking tourists to stop affixing locks to the bridges, monuments, and other points of interest around the city.

Whether you think they are beautiful or a nuisance, the locks certainly gave us something to think about.

Have you seen the love locks in Paris or another city? What do you think about tourists leaving them behind? 

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Answer to Monday's Riddle: Bonjour!

Excellent guessing, Riddlers! This week, we're taking you to Paris, France!

Oh la la, is what they say when red and blue part the way. A tower boasts grandeur right, sparkling up a city night. Oui, oui, there's romance in the line. Books galore is what to find. Ride the river, mind the rocks, remember for whom our love locks. Cross the bridge by this bright land; art abounds to take in hand. A garden vision's spoken word; a smiling Lisa never heard. Strung by cords of the coeur's beat, feet dance lightly down the street. 

Where are you? Paris, France

Fairday's Riddles: Volume I 
Make time to riddle and rhyme!
62 original riddles and illustrations

Available in all e-book formats





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Monday's Riddle: Nous Sommes De Retour!

Hello, Riddlers! We're back. Can you guess our theme this week? We have so much to tell you about... ;) ~ F

Oh la la, is what they say when red and blue part the way. A tower boasts grandeur right, sparkling up a city night. Oui, oui, there's romance in the line. Books galore is what to find. Ride the river, mind the rocks, remember for whom our love locks. Cross the bridge by this bright land; art abounds to take in hand. A garden vision's spoken word; a smiling Lisa never heard. Strung by cords of the coeur's beat, feet dance lightly down the street.

Where are you?

I gave you a clue!

Jules Bastien-Lepage (French, Damvillers 1848–1884 Paris)

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