If you’ve been following my vacation posts the past few weeks, you’ve gotten a sense for how much we tried to do while we were in London and Paris. If I had it to do all over (and I had the time to do it), I would spend a week in each location so I could fully appreciate each city. Not only were my feet incredibly tired from all the walking, but we really didn’t have a chance to see places like the Eiffel Tower at night (I guess we could have the night before, but we were exhausted).

Anyways, as you might imagine…the Eiffel Tower had a pretty long line. It appeared as if they normally have three lines to go up, but we went during “off season” so there was only one main line. Street performers took advantage of the crowd…as did the pigeons. I loved watching this little girl try to feed them.

Many of your comments indicate that you like the history lessons I’m building into my post. So, for those of you that don’t know much about the Eiffel Tower, here ya go. The Eiffel Tower was designed by Gustave Eiffel, and built between 1887 and 1889 as the entrance arch for the 1889 World’s Fair, marking the centennial celebration of the French Revolution.

The tower is the tallest building in Paris – it stands 1,063 ft tall (about the same height as an 81-storey building). During its construction, the Eiffel Tower surpassed the Washington Monument to assume the title of the tallest man-made structure in the world, a title it held for 41 years, until the Chrysler Building in New York City was built in 1930. However, due to the addition, in 1957, of the antenna atop the Eiffel Tower, it is now taller than the Chrysler Building (source).

Much like the London Eye, the Eiffel Tower was a great way to see the entire city of Paris. I do wish it hadn’t been so gray, chilly and drizzly…but that’s just a consequence of going to Europe in early September. We figured we traded the crowds for the weather. Oh yeah…did you see the climbers a few photos up? I initially thought they were extreme rock climbers, but someone recently explained that they were probably changing light bulbs which makes a lot more sense.

I had an embarrassing photographer moment at the top of the Eiffel Tower. I was trying my best to take a picture of my husband. The lighting was a bit weird…I didn’t have my speedlight (which would have come in handy for a little fill light) and there were people everywhere making it difficult to shoot. About that time, a family asked if I would take their picture. The father handed me a fancy camera with his settings. By this point, I had already moved my camera into P mode. I asked if he would return the favor and handed over my camera…how embarrassing.

So after we got our fill of the third and upper levels (including a little snack), we went back down the elevators and hit the ground for some photo ops. My husband insisted on getting the photo you see on the left. He took one of me too but I look like a duffus…seriously. The shot on the right is my favorite…I had the black and white version if it print on canvas recently by Easy Canvas Prints (I’ll post my review in a couple of days).

And finally…the Eiffel Tower – vintage style. Of course, I took a ton of other photos, but these two of the Eiffel Tower are my favorites. What do you think? Either way, have a great weekend!

 

 

PS: I’ve seen a lot of new photography memes floating around. If you are hosting one, could you check my photography challenge page to be sure you are listed. If you are not, just let me know and I will add you.