Friday, December 20, 2013

Eiffel Tower


Marshall and I left my parents and kids at the apartment after dinner, and headed out to try and see the lights on the Eiffel Tower.  We didn't realize how late it would stay dark, and there were still a few hours of sunlight left.  It was not too busy, but the most annoying thing was all the people who approached us trying to sell the little tower keychains.  They'd jingle them in your face and say "Five, One Euro" over and over, even after you say no thank you.  The secret is to not even look at them and (hold on to your bag tightly) and keep walking.

We walked down one of the streets in between the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe.  It is surrounded by a huge and terrifying traffic circle!

They have blocked off places in the middle of the busy street, so people can stand there and get good pictures.  I was scared, watching people dart in and out of traffic, but then we did it too.  Once you see so many people doing something stupid, you don't want them to be alone, you know?

We made our way back to the Eiffel, and got great seats...and waited...and waited...and waited.  And then we finally saw this.  We watched for about 3 minutes, and then left.  Ha!

The next day we went back with my parents.  We planned to be there right as it opened, and we were!  That is our secret to everything- if you don't have a reservation or advanced tickets, get there first!

Here's a good pic of Mom and Dad!

We walked down to the base, and got in the winding line to get in.  It was moving pretty quickly, and we didn't have to wait too long.

The underside of the tower is just as beautiful as the outside.

Once we were up the short elevator ride to the middle level, we got some great views of Paris!

It just goes on as far as you can see.

Dad helped these people get a picture.

Mav wasn't sure what all the excitement was about.  He wanted to ride the elevator again.  Although, now that he has a "Paris" T-shirt, he calls it his Eiffel Tower shirt.

Maddox enjoyed it too!

Once we left the Eiffel Tower, we headed by subway to the Louvre.

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