Tour Eiffel

After checking in, first order of business was to go straight to the Eiffell Tower.

Bought a 3-day pass for the Metro/Bus so we can go anywhere if we get the time.

First glimpse of the tower was amazing...although it wasn't as high as I imagined, it is still very impressive. It was even more impressive as we walked closer and stand under the tower.

Had to queue to buy tickets to go up the tower. There are two main ways up...walking or lifts... After walking up St Paul's Cathedral, guess which one I chose. :) The queue was long but this died down as it got closer to lunch time.

Once up there, the view of the city is magnificent. the city looks flatish from that high up (third and top floor) and the difference between Paris buildings and London buildings is that Paris buildings are mostly light in colour. i.e. not as many bricks used like they do in London.

This is the Seine - the river that crosses the city of Paris.

To the Northwest is the Palais de Chaillot. We didn't actually go there as we were running of time.
To the Southeast is the Champ de Mars and I think it is a park in front of a military school.

Lots of people there walking around and sun-bathing in their bikini tops. Sadly the park is not clean...lots of broken glass, cigarette butts, and all sorts of rubbish (below).

But in general, the Eiffel Tower is a must-do and -see. The experience was great.