I reckon that if you're going to tackle a list like this, then you may aswell start BIG! I expect one of the common themes throughout this "30 in 30" project to be me conquering my fear of heights in a variety of different ways, and with that being said, surely there's no better place to start than high atop the 1,063 ft tall Eiffel tower.
I had always intended to go at some point, but an opportunity came up to visit Paris and some of its great citizens for a few days this year, and I simply couldn't say no. The city is just as beautiful as you'd expect, particularly at this time of year what with the Christmas markets and frosty weather. The food is even more of a delight than the sights (and that's saying something), and to top it all off we were treated to guided tours from two of the best hostesses a group of tourists could ask for.
We managed to squeeze in a lot during our two day stay, including a trip to the top of the Arc De Triomphe, a visit to The Louvre, and numerous visits to some of Paris's many fine drinking establishments. We also met a lot of really fun people along the way.
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| The view of the Eiffel Tower from the top of the Arc De Triomphe |
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| The view of me from the top of The Arc De Triomphe (with the Eiffel Tower in the background) |
It had been recommended to us by numerous people that the best time to visit the tower itself was at night, as the city looks it's best under the illumination of street lights etc. so that's just what we did. By the time we reached the bottom of the tower, it was dusk, and I have to agree, even standing at the bottom looking up at this massively impressive structure, it does look all the better when it is lit up after dark.
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| The view of the Arc De Triomphe from the top of the Eiffel Tower |
We also visited the Garnier Palace, which is the Opera house. It is probably one of the single most impressive buildings I've ever had the pleasure of setting foot in. Each room or hallway in this building is decorated with some of the most breathtaking engineering and artwork that you are ever likely to find.
I briefly mentioned earlier that the food was great in Paris. What is also great, is the Parisian's love for Crepes. Now, I already enjoyed a crepe as much as the next man (hit me up with a nutella or caramel crepe and I'm as happy as a pig in the proverbial), but upon sampling my first ever savoury crepe, I can honestly tell you that they are my new favourite thing on this planet. Just look at this thing. Just look at it!!!
Yep! That's called "Le Cavalier", and yes that is a beef burger and a fried egg right in the middle of it.
I loved my time in Paris, and the company that we had for the couple of days was great. They really knew how to show us a good time and experience as much as we could of what the city had to offer in a very short period of time.
Here are some interesting things I learned about Paris while I was there:
- The Eiffel tower is 665 ft taller than the Spire of Dublin (which is only 398 ft tall)
- Knowing all the words to "Foux Du Fa Fa" by Flight of The Conchords is not sufficient enough research to learn the basics of French before visiting
- Traffic is an absolute mess in Paris, particularly at the free for all roundabout surrounding the Arc De Triomphe
- A quarter pounder with cheese IS known as a Royale with cheese
- The Eiffel Tower sparkles like a Christmas tree for a few minutes every hour
- The flame that burns at the foot of the Arc De Triomphe is in tribute to the many unidentified people who died during both world wars
