There are many wonderful sights to see in Paris. However, THE iconic symbol of this city, and the one thing you do not want to miss, is undoubtably the Eiffel Tower. Built by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 world's fair as the center piece celebrating the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution, it was not immediately liked by many Parisians ("it is ugly!"). At 906 feet above ground, the top level is the highest observation deck in the European Union. The original plans for the Tower called for it to be dismantled after twenty years. But it proved to be too valuable for communication purposes, so it remains. Eiffel had 72 names of scientists, mathameticians, and engineers engraved on the facade of the first level, for their contributions to the construction of the Tower. He also built a private apartment on the top level for entertaining guests. Thus, this was a MUST SEE for us. Since it was less than 4 miles from our apartment, and was such a nice day, we decided to walk to it. Once we arrived, it was only a half hour wait in line to purchase our tickets to the top. Each level had fantastic views of the city. Of course, it was somewhat helpful to have a clear sunny day. You HAVE TO visit the Eiffel Tower if you ever make it to Paris. Even from a distance, the Tower looks like you could reach out and touch it. We are getting closer. We have arrived ( and so has the wind). The cable car (the little bit of yellow in the center of the picture) ride to the first level (where the restaurants are) only takes two minutes. Look at all this tiny people down there! Viewed from the first level. Looking from the second level, at the far end of that narrow island (Ile de Cygnes) is a scale model of the Statue of Liberty. View from the top level towards Le Hopital de L'Invaldes, built by Napoleon... ...and towards L'Arc de Triumph at the end of the Champs Elysees. Lorraine, the intrepid voyager, at the top of the Eiffel Tower. Gustave Eiffel's office in his private apartment on the Tower.
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Carl and Lorraine Aveni are two retirees planning on traveling through Europe for at least one year.
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