Tour Eiffel

The Eiffel Tower is probably the most recognized symbol of Paris. To my kids it was a fun ride up a crazy designed tower. Funny to think the Eiffel tower was originally constructed for a fair and that once over, the tower would be dismantled. Seems like a ton of work- a ton of metal to discard. I am glad it is here to stay. In its day (1889), The Eiffel Tower was the tallest construction ever known. It stands at 1,052 feet tall. It looks huge from the ground. It was bigger than I had imagined. I loved the design of the lacy, massive supporting columns.

This is a view from the ground looking up.

The line to buy tickets for the lift up was actually quite quick. I think we stood in line 15 minutes. You can take the elevator up- there are two levels, or you can hike the stairs. The orange car is the elevator descending.

A view from the glass elevator.

Our family enjoying the birds eye view from the first level deck.

Even in the strongest winds, this tower has never swayed more than about 5 inches. A cool fact- the metal marvel can become up to 6 inches taller or shorter depending on the temperature.

Grace enjoying the view of Notre Dame Cathedral.

View of The Arc de Triumph. You can see the streets feeding out from the main memorial.

Sullivan looking for The Louvre.

So cool to visit! This was one of Audrey's highlights of Paris so far.

The Eiffel Tower at night. A local give us a tip on the best visiting hours. Starting at dusk, the first ten minutes of every hour, the towers 20,000 light bulbs shimmer creating a very magical effect! It was so fun to watch with the kids!

Paris!

We have arrived! It only took us how many days of packing? And how many days of cleaning? And a flight just short of ten hours to get to Paris! The flight was smooth- everyone slept, ate and got their fill of the I Pad. I must admitt I stayed awake to watch the film "Water for Elephants". Way, way, way disapointing. The book was loads better! Anyhow-
Upon arrival we hoped on a bus from the airpot which dropped us and ALL our luggage downtown, a block away from The Arc de Triomphe. Our hotel was located on the famous French avenue "Champs Elysees". It is a beautiful, wide, bustling street full of high end shops- and cafes. Lush tall trees and flower pots line the street. A very fun avenue for a stroll or people watching. Some very interesting fashion divas!


One of the coolest sights on this street is the view of The Arc
de Triomphe at the top of the hill. This is a famous military memorial commissioned by Napoleon in 1806. The memorial was completed in 1836- 15 years after Napoleon's death. Today, the Arc is the site of France's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. There is a flame that has been kept burning here since 1923.
We loved the view of the city from this location. The memorial is in the center of 12? streets running from this focal point.

On of the walls depicting battle scenes. My kids are fascinted by all the nudity everywhere.:)

Quin and the kids.

My kids being rowdy, and just being kids. Our first real view of the Eiffel Tower in the background.

We decided to eat out this night. Ate at a very famous Pizza Cafe- Pizza Pino. Fun to "try" to order in French.

Sadly only Arabic is coming to me at this point. I am doing better now (4 days later) at remembering 8th grade French. Audrey and Grace are saying "Bonjour, salut, Au Revoir, etc.".

I think I downlaoded the wrong pic- but anyhow- our waiter was a hoot. He kept laughing and trying to speak English- we really had no idea what the heck he was saying. Enjoyed the pizza with an "oeuf" (egg) cracked in the center. Supper was delicious! Totally recommend this place!

An after supper stroll up the Champs Elysees. Admiring all the macaroons on display at LADUREE shop.
Have yet to try one- that is on our list of must-do's before we leave.

Back at the hotel the kids crashed out quite easily. Not to mention Quin and I too.