The Eiffel Tower got closer to my heart, after learning it used to be a radio tower, “serving critical military communications, particularly World War I,” as records note. This was an impressive transition from being a temporary world fair exhibit in 1889.
Having worked on TV and now broadcasting on radio, I was delighted to find out the tower also became vital for early radio and TV broadcasting.
Built by French Engineer Gustave Eiffel and his company in 1887 to 1889, it became the entrance arch for the 1889 Exposition Universelle or World’s Fair. The supposed contract for its existence was intended only for 20 years. But Eiffel saw its scientific potential and “advocated for its preservation, especially for meteorological and communications purposes.”
Moreover, research data reveal “the first wireless telegraphy experiments in 1898 proved the Eiffel Tower’s effectiveness as a radio antenna, establishing contact between the tower and the Pantheon.”
More than a century later, its significance and beauteous use still serve a host of purposes.
Today, the Eiffel Tower continues to draw an average seven million visitors annually, “while serving as a vital radio and TV antenna for the Paris region.” It not only exudes French ingenuity, but it blends historical significance with modern functionality.
It features restaurants, shops and observation decks, including Eiffel’s reconstruction office at the top floor.
At 330-meter tall antenna, the Eiffel Tower transmits TV and radio signals to 10 million people in the Paris region.
It is located on the Left Bank of the Seine River of Paris’ 7th “arrondisement” (district) at Champ de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole France and can be seen even from short distances surrounding it.
It was almost dark when we got to a park near the tower, which seemed to be the launch pad before arriving at the main destination.
Hundreds, if not thousands, of visitors who appeared to be in festive mode, gathered in this area, taking selfies or videos of the tower and themselves.
By night time, it exuded what seemed to be a magical charm. What with the sparkling lights illuminating this elegant tower.
One can easily be reminded of movies like Funny Face (Audrey Hepburn), Midnight in Paris (Owen Wilson) and French Kiss (Kevin Klein and Meg Ryan) as the tower is lit.
But topping its iconic grandiose is when it is seen from the vantage point of an evening cruise, where visitors can appreciate the tower in almost all angles.
It was almost freezing cold, but seeing it in a different perspective, along with other tourism sites by the Seine River was absolutely thrilling.
The Musee d’Orsay, the Louvre Museum, the Notre Dame Cathedral, all radiated with stunning beauty as they were seen somewhat with spotlights as the cruise ship sailed on.
From time to time, some people along the river bank would holler and wave some sort of greetings towards us, as we, cruise passengers, gamely responded with cheers. It was like an impromptu camaraderie suddenly formed and emerged in this part of the world, making us feel warmly welcomed.
Once, a bridge full of people above us cheered us on in chorus, seemingly to celebrate with us on the cruise! It was indeed so endearing!
It took us time to disembark by the Eiffel Tower, as hundreds of our companions went ahead in taking off the ship.
We, who were left at the ship’s roof deck, significantly had extra time to do selfies and just enjoy the night, amid freezing tempertures.
Alighting from the ship did not stop the Eiffel Tower tour yet, as we went our way inside the compound. Security was strict, but the security staff who checked on our belongings seemed to have a fairly good impression of Filipinos, as he gave this author a wide smile when he found out this author’s nationality. We had a brief chat upon entry and he eventually said “salamat po!,” which warmed my heart.
Moments later, it seemed surreal that my family and I found ourselves literally at the foot of the Eiffel Tower!!!!
We went around its surroundings and we were pleased to see so many families of different cultures, enjoying the area as well. Some, though speaking in other languages, seemed to sound like complaints of being tired from walking around.
This resonated with me and my family, as on this day of our visit to the Tower, we walked a total 23,000 steps!!!!
Despite the evening cold at around negative 3-6 degrees and the loooong walk, seeing and strolling around the iconic site was so much worth it!
And as if all that walking was not enough, we still managed to take a peek at the Christmas market, just outside the Eiffel Tower Compound. Interesting exhibits and food were on display and just like night markets in other countries or “tiangges” in the Philippines, the Christmas market was jampacked and the smell of French delicacies naturally drew visitors’ patronage.
It was indeed a very enriching experience!
Au revoir and je t’aime, Eiffel Tower!!!!
