But before I get to that, I have to tell you of the proper shenanigans we had near our hotel in the morning. Matt had his conference so Maria and I looked for a place to have coffee (me) and tea (M) and journal (me) and read (M). I told her I wanted to find a pharmacy also as my deodorant was lower than I thought and I didn’t want to run out. Turned left out of the hotel at the advice of our concierge (then another left and “there are three cafes on the corner - very good”). Right next door was a pharmacy! The gentleman inside spoke excellent English and helped me find some deodorant and some lip balm (“this one is cosmetic, this one is for dry skin” - dry skin please!).
Next door to that is a cute cafe with outdoor seating. We found a spot by the trees and ordered. Then the sun started shining right into our faces so we asked to move to the other side of the trees where it was going to be shaded for awhile. Then it started raining! So up under the awning by the restaurant building we went. The waiter was laughing at us and asked if we wanted to find yet another spot. HAHAHA. He was a good sport. While we were there, before we were sitting up under the awning to have a proper view of everything, we heard this woman YELLING across the street. She was screaming at the top of her lungs. She was switching languages because we understood “You can live your life and I can live my life!” We wondered how she didn’t go hoarse! Travis would have been so proud of me. My back was to her and Maria could see her if she leaned forward. I told her to keep an eye, as if she got any closer, we were headed inside! That’s the only time something out of the ordinary has happened. I have felt very safe here. But I am VERY aware.
We met up with Matt after (went to one of the places the concierge recommended since we didn’t get any further than next door earlier)*. Then it was time for the Eiffel Tower tour. Fat Tire Tours was our place and Mado was our guide. She was sweet and very knowledgeable. Before we left the tour shop, she gave us a run down of the tour. I was excited for the access we were granted to the top (you can only go to the Summit with a guided tour). But I was most excited about going underneath the Eiffel Tower**. Until she said you aren’t allowed under the tower anymore due to extra security measures from the attacks in 2015. Aww, bummer. But, oh well. I knew I was still going to have a great time. AND THEN she said, “But…..because you are with our tour, we get to go underneath!” HOORAY!!
We got to the tower (she gave good advice about our bags that I will keep for the rest of the trip: when in crowded places, carry your bag in front. It will deter pickpockets. Smart.)
We got pictures there. She knows what she’s doing! I love this angle!
And then up we went!
In between the two buildings that look like half circles, at the end of the fountains…that’s where we were standing yesterday (Trocadero)!!
This picture cracked us UP!!! Who is this guy? And who does he think he is, posing with us?
**And here it is. The view I’ve dreamt of seeing FOREVER!
I have seen photos, I have seen videos. I've seen the Eiffel Tower in a TV shows and movies. I've dreamed about the view I would have for decades. Would it be daylight, night, raining or not? Would it be up close or far away? I have imagined seeing it a million times. But I have never seen it from directly underneath and it was my bucket list view.
One of the sides is netted - they are repainting it. Apparently it has been few different colors (original was red, from iron…I would have loved to see that color!) It has to be painted by hand so takes over 2 YEARS! It’s being painted bronze now - for the Olympics. I’ve thought about it, but I've never had expectations of what my pictures would be like, but I always had this one in my mind. I still can’t believe my luck!
Other than the first picture I took - because its sentimental, this is my favorite. Matt took it from our Seine River Cruise. I mean….just look!!
The Seine River Cruise was nearby the Eiffel Tower. My favorite part was seeing all the bridges. There are SOO many!! I think the tour guide said over 35 (Google says 37 over the Seine). My favorite was this one: Pont Neuf. It’s the oldest bridge over the Seine, and was started in 1578, but due to religious wars, it didn’t get finished until 1604. I equally loved and was creeped out by the faces you can see underneath the road above the arches. There are 381 total and it is said they are to protect from, intimidate, and scare away evil.
This was my view of the end of the cruise. LOVE!
On our way home, at the exit of one of our metro stops was this! SOOO cool to see it with the sun setting. Arc de Triomphe: Check! We walked home through the Champs Elysees which was handy. Check and check!
*I’m keeping track of all of our restaurants in a list on my wanderlog app. Best travel app I’ve used.
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