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C'est magnifique, c'est incroyable, c'est La Tour Eiffel. A tower of strength with a look of great frailty, built to last twenty years it has survived an incredible 100 more than that.

Probably the world's most photographed monument, it is a testimony to the great architectural ability of one man, Gustave Eiffel. His design was chosen unanimously over 700 other designs submitted and considering the great appeal of the tower, they made an excellent choice. Gustave was an expert in aerodynamics and his design has very little surface area. This keeps the tower from swaying in strong winds. On a clear day you can see for over 40 miles in any direction from the top.

It took 300 steel workers 2 years to build the Eiffel Tower. It was built for an exhibition held in 1889 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. It was and is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. All this was done at a cost of 1.5 million dollars.

The Eiffel Tower is 300 meters tall and weights 7000 tons. It is twice as tall as the Washington Monument and weighs half as much. Located in the 7th arrondissement it really is an impressive sight and dominates the skyline on the Champs de Mars. It is not however visible from all over the city. Until 1930 it was the tallest building in the world.

As impressive as the tower is by daylight, it really shines at night. It takes 580 thousand kilowatt hours of electricity annually to light the tower. To celebrate the Millennium during New Years Eve 1999 fireworks were set off along the entire length of the tower. I think most of us were impressed by that sight since it was broadcast around the world.

If you are feeling energetic there are 1,652 stairs to the top. Along the way you can stop at one of the two restaurants. You can if you had the foresight to make a reservation several weeks in advance. On the first level you will find Altitude 95 and on the second level Jules Verne You will also need to bring a platinum card especially for Jules Verne but you can take it's private elevator up and avoid the stairs. There is of course an elevator in addition to the private one. Even though I have been to Paris twice I have never gone up into the Eiffel Tower. It isn't the cost that has stopped me but rather the long waiting line. Since I go in January this is probably the shortest line there ever is and it is always daunting.
Engraved on the four sides of the tower are the names of 72 of the leading French scientists and engineers of the 19th century.

The tower has attracted it's share of attention seeking people. It has been scaled by a mountaineer, ridden down from the first level by a bicycling journalist and parachuted off of by two hearty Englishmen. More sobering is the fact that there have been over 350 successful suicides off of the tower.

The Eiffel Tower has been visited by over 200,000,000 people since it was opened to the public. I have promised myself that the next time I am in Paris I will get into that line and wait for my turn to see one of the best views in Paris. Make that 200,000,001.

Learn more about this author, Belle Starr.
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