“11 pm sharp!”, our guide said, “If you miss the bus, you will have to make your own way to the hotel.“
We understood. No time to waste. The Eiffel Tower, glistening in all her glory, was waiting for us!
Maybe the Eiffel Tower is `male` but somehow I doubt it. Only a woman can look so beautiful!
We left a small group behind. So sad, really. I guess this is normal when you get towards the end of your trip – people were running out of money.
No time to dwell on that now. We had exactly 1 1/2 hours to make it to the top before the bus picked us up.
I could give you all the statistics and information about this historical landmark but not today. For one last time I would like to saviour each memory and feeling… before I close this chapter. Who knows when I will ever be able to visit Paris again – if ever.
For a brief moment I stood underneath the giant steel structure. I looked up and what I saw, nearly took my breath away. Layer after layer of cold steel, warmed up by lights and moaning underneath the heavy weight. Did I hear her squeak? What a burden to carry, I thought to myself.
No time to wait…we need to get to the top!
So many people,so few elevators! The clock was ticking..the waiting game had started. Finally the doors opened and we piled like sardines into the elevator. All manners forgotten. Up and up we go, clawing our way up the iron lady.
The doors opened and finally we were at the top. With a shock we realized we had 30 minutes to admire the view, take photos and make our way down! The bus was waiting…time not!
I went up to the iron bars and took a peek at the city below. I had the most amazing view of Paris – the city of light! Our guide was right. But tonight it was the city of love. Couples cuddled up and watched the city go by. Love was in the air!
I could stand here the whole night, I thought to myself.
No time..tic-tac, tic-tac….
Come guys! We have to go!”, I heard somebody shouting.
We made our way down to the 2nd floor. We waited and waited but no free elevator. We started to panic. Panic often brings along a brainwave and the next moment we found ourselves dashing down the stairs with boisterous laughter.
In my madness I tried to count the stairs. I stopped counting at 800. The Eiffel Tower has between 1665 and 1710 stairs in total!
We caught our bus just in time!
I have a few regrets…one of them the time constraint. I wanted to see more. I wanted to breath the air of Paris, fill my lungs with her awesomeness. So many things I didn`t do. I wish I had a better camera. I didn`t take enough photos. Bottom line: I wanted more time.
Tic..toc..goodbye Eiffel Tower….
Maybe some day I will be able to embrace your beauty once more.
I know you are waiting for my return…..
Place: Paris, France
Date: 8 April 2004
Oh, wow! I wouldn't like to be hurried either, Nelieta, especially when seeing something as spectacular as the Eiffel Tower – your photos were marvelous in spite of your having to rush around. Hope you will have that chance to return one day.Blessings to you!
Oh so beautiful, I loved everyone of these photos. What a blessing to be able to see this beautiful work of art. I would have balked at the tether of time as well. I love the way you have written of your journey, I feel as f I were there, being jostled on the elevator and scurrying down the stairs….<3
So romantic! I also want to go to the top of the Eiffel tower and experience some magic!
The pictures are spectacular Nelieta. It must have been some experience. http://rimlybezbaruah.blogspot.in/2012/03/aftermath.html
Hello Nelieta.I've never been to Paris, but my wife has. One of these days, we will go as a couple & seep ourselves in the mystery & allure of this great city.You sound like you had a fantastic time. Love your photos.If you think the Eiffel Tower is beautiful, wait until you meet me! (smile).Lovely post.Thanks for sharing & visiting.The Painting And The Poet
Oh wow! what an incredible experience, I'm sure… I can only imagine. The images you captured are beautiful. I guess there are times when MORE is more than understandable and OK!
Really interesting and for us timely. We will be visiting Paris for my first time. Phyllis was there many years ago. Will be there in September and looking forward to it. Your post has made the months seem longer away lol
Great photos of a wonderful place. Thank you for sharing.
The pictures and your words made me fall in love with the Eiffel Tower ♥
Lovely….:-)
I always wanted to go to this place ..but still i cant .. Hmm I know the technique taking a pic and shaking it ..transforms into that kind of image
Such a romantic place! I just love Paris!
Sounds like an unforgettable journey. Thanks for taking me there, even if for a brief moment. 🙂
Hi Martha, thank you very much for your comment. Maybe next time I will have more time. Hubby and have spoken about it and we will definitely include Paris next time when we travel to Europe 🙂
Thank you Jan! Imagine all the photos if I had my DSLR with me..but anyway I had the wonderful opportunity to see the Eiffel Tower in person 🙂 Thank you for joining me on this journey!
Thank you Rimly! It was, honeslty! It feels like I am closing the chapter on each of these adventures..maybe it is time for a new one to start!
Paris is my dream destination Nelieta! I would love to go there one day.
Hi Andy, I am sure you and your wife will have such a great time. I am looking forward to be reading all the love poems that you will be writing after your experience with Paris! It is really a very romantic city :)LoL…you made me giggle Andy!
Oh Jim I am sure you will have a blast in Paris! I am dying to go back some day but this time I want more time! Septemeber is around the corner, not long to wait!
Thank you Amy, you have summed it up very nicely! Sometimes more is good and OK! Thanks for visiting!
Thank you Corinne! I am still in love 🙂
Thank you Janaki!
Hi Sheril, I hope you will be able to go soon 🙂
Hi Jessica, it was! Thank you for joining me on this adventure 🙂
Wow, another memorable experience, Nelieta! Not only because it happened in THE Eiffel Tower, but because of the Amazing Race aspect of it, haha. And I never thought the tower gives out a squeak. Doesn't it sound scary? Oh, and if I were there, I would've let myself be left by bus at the Eiffel Tower. :=)
AJ, this one will stay with me forever. O yes it does squeak if you stand close to it. I thought it was exciting! We were considering it but unfortunately the taxi to the Hotel was very expensive and when you add it up in Euros, was not worth the expense. Next time I will make sure I have at least one day dedicated just to the Eiffel tower 🙂
What a view from the top! You can see the whole Paris.