Paris – Eiffel Tower

This was our first full day in Paris and we headed out of our nice warm apartment into the crisp morning air in search of something for breakfast. We ended up stocking up at the bakery on the corner and then went back to wake the rest of the weary travellers. There were so many delicious options at the shop that even with seven people to feed we only sampled a small part of what was on offer.

mmmm deliciousness

Cheese Amo! (Uncle)

Our daily commute into town ended up being quite a lot more involved than we expected as Paris has three different kinds of train, each with their own network. The first time we bought tickets we got a map to help us out but it wasn't until later that we realised it only showed one train network and we needed to use two that day. Our map showed us where the Eiffel Tower was but didn't show any train lines connecting to it, and the official map on the wall of the train station just listed the station name without any tourist attractions so we spent the rest of the trip asking strangers for help as there didn't seem to be any comprehensive maps available. it wasn't until we met this friendly Frenchman and took a snap of his phone that we were able to properly figure out our trip. You can see just off the centre of the photo there 'Champ de Mars, Tour Eiffel'.

With all the walking involved, the confusing station signage, and waiting for trains it ended up taking us two hours to get there; and then finally we arrived, exited the station, followed the crowds around a corner, et voila!

Couldn't very well come here and not take photos like these, could we?

I got all artsy and communed with the ground on these ones. It was worth it for the shots though, me thinks.

Adam is oblivious

The Eiffel Tower itself has three different admission prices: One to walk up the stairs to the second level where there is a cafe and gift shop, one to take the lift there, and one to take the lift all the way to the top. You can also choose to take the lift from half way and the total of the two trips is the same as buying a trip straight to the top. We decided to go to the second level first and then buy a ticket to go further from there because we weren't sure if you had the option to go only half way with a full ticket. Hindsight makes that idea seem ridiculous but it's hard to think straight when your fingers and toes are freezing off!

Adam was so excited about the BATTA! (Arabic for duck)

and is a pro at the CHEEESE now

Yeah no, I hadn't paid any $. This was purely for the sake of the almighty 'I was here' photo.

This is taken from the second level and as you can see it's already pretty high up. Most of us decided this was enough for us and we would rather hang out inside where we could pretend it was kind of warm for a few minutes. I bought a most beautiful painting of the tower from the gift shop there and resisted the urge to spend an exorbitant amount of money on a fancy mug. Hisham and his nephews braved the icy winds to go all the way up to the top for the spectacular views and the sense of achievement and were duly rewarded.

The top!

Back on the second level 

Genuinely interested

It seemed strange to do only one thing in a day but we were all so cold and tired from our adventures already that we decided it was time to head home. On our little walk through the village to our apartment we passed by a shop with the most amazing sweets on display and I can promise you they tasted even better than they looked..

Proper French deliciousness

.. and that was that. Next on the list: Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe.