Notre Dame, Eifel Tower and Croissants

I spent the better half of today battling through horrendous crowds to climb the Eifel Tower (by escalator this time). It took a total of 5 hours of lining up in numerous crowds to go to the top and come down again... I did it during the sunset which afforded me both day and night views which was the only good thing about the whole thing. It cost 11 euro (20 dollars) to go to the top by escalator. The crowds in this city are absolutely horrendous and reminiscent of my time in China. In addition to the crowds the high prices of this city have turned me off Paris and I'm now counting down the hours for my train trip to Barcelona, where I'm sure to encounter further crowds. Where do all these people come from and where on earth is all the cash coming from to fuel this boom in tourism? Anyway my research on this region has come to fruition with August being the busiest month of the year in Europe. I'm ready to leave Europe and hit South American soil where I do hope that it is not as busy. I have 8 days to go in Europe before hitting the northern tip of Africa, Morocco. I have another tour which I'm hanging out for.

Another view of Paris from top

The Eifel tower was initally built in 1889 as a monument to the World Fair but risked demolition in 1909 due to local dissatisfaction. Thankfully, it has survied for it gives an unbelievable view of all of Paris... a beautiful city by any stretch of the imagination. Major sights such as the Arc can be viewed quite well from this vantage point... but the crowds mean pushing yourself to the front so you can get some decent pics. At 10.00pm, the lights came on and flickered away for 15 minutes just as I was taking my photos which was unbelievable timing for me. I enjoyed admiring this terrific tower but was equally glad to escape the throngs of people once I had accomplished it.

Back of Notre Dame

During the day I also visited Notre Dam cathedral on the Seine River which rates up there as being one of the most beautiful gothic cathedrals I've visited in Europe. As it turned out, there was a service in place as I visited so I decided to sit in the 4th row and join in in what was a most memorable experience, sitting in a church service at the Notre Dame cathedral in Paris. The organ playing and female singer was truly amazing.

Staying in a hotel is boring for I've met noone here in Paris (I gave up on the complex and over rated nightlife) but I have still nevertheless enjoyed the space and croissants for breakfast. I eagerly await what should be another Berlin in Barcelona for I'm staying in a 12 bed dorm in Barcelona... it is the only way to travel if alone in Europe for staying in hotels by yourself is terribly boring and lonely. I was starting to feel the effects of being alone again!

Back of Tower from top

Best pic of Arc De Triomphe at night

Close up of Embassy

Day Side View of Tower

Entertainment in the Paris Underground

Ferris Wheel Side from top

Front of Tower from top

Front View of Eiffel Tower Day

Front View of Notre Dame Cathedral

Inside the Cathedral

Lots of White Buildings in Paris

One of the avenues from the Arc

One stupid tourist trying to cross.

Seine River and Australian Embassy from Top

Side View of Cathedral

The Aussie Ebassy from the second floor

The Dame on the River Seine

The Eifel Tower in all its glory. Night view.

The Guys Leading the Service

The Tower is Huge

Under Tower Getting Up Close

View from Hotel Room

Who can spot the Arc De Triomphe?