The Eiffel Tower: The Most Visited Attraction in the World

11 February 20253 May 2025

We had just finished dinner at Café de Flore located on Boulevard St-Germain, not far from the Eiffel Tower. David and I decided to take a leisurely walk, strolling along the Seine. Passing the Quai Voltaire and approaching the Musee d’Orsay, we could see the glittering lights of the Eiffel Tower in the distance. Within minutes, we stood at the base of the Tower, gazing up towards the complicated latticework and wide arches admiring its sturdy architecture.

Staring in complete awe of Gustave Eiffel’s magnificent design, I recalled that the Parisians were not so accepting of the Tower when it was first erected, some comparing it to the Tower of Babel. Intended as the centerpiece for the 1889 World Exhibition, the tower would also commemorate the centenary celebration of the French Revolution. Completed in just over two years, Gustave Eiffel agreed to finance the tower’s construction in exchange for any financial profits over the first twenty years.

The Eiffel Tower or “La Tour Eiffel” stands 984 feet high and was the tallest building of its time. In addition to its height it was also considered an extraordinary technological advancement.

The Eiffel Tower represented the iron architecture of the Industrial Revolution. Constructed as the colossal entrance for the World’s Fair, it’s unique structure and curvature was simply genius while the open lattice design and exposed iron support beams equalized the wind. According to Gustave Eiffel it was “an expression of mathematical equation and structural phenomena.”

During our visit to Paris, we found ourselves visiting the Eiffel Tower to take in the views during the day and to experience the beauty of the Parisian lights at night. Visitors can access the three floors of the Eiffel Tower by elevator and the first floor by a set of stairs. The first platform is 187 feet above ground where there is the 58 Tour Eiffel restaurant as well as family friendly buffets and a gift shop. I dropped off my stamped post cards so that they would be post marked from the “Tour Eiffel”.

When the Eiffel Tower was initially unveiled, the first floor platform showcased a Flemish bar which served Alsatian cuisine, a brasserie and two restaurants, The Brebant, considered a chic French restaurant with a view of the Champ-de-Mar as well as a Russian restaurant on the northeast corner. Each wooden pavilion could seat 500 guests and the kitchens were built on the underside of the platform.

The second platform reaches 377 feet above ground offering extravagant views of the city. In addition, the world renowned Jules Verne Restaurant and shops are located on this floor. David surprised me with reservations at the Jules Verne Restaurant and I could not wait for us to return in a couple of days to experience a luxurious dinner.

The Eiffel Tower was nearing completion by March of 1889 as it soared over nine hundred feet. The elevators were ready to be installed, but the curvature design of the tower posed a challenge. In the end, Eiffel contracted with American Otis Elevator who invented a system that was years ahead of technological advancement. The observation platform, enclosed by glass, would provide visitors an incredible view of Paris on a clear sunny day.

The Universal Exposition of 1889 officially opened on the sixth of May. Exhibits showcased the latest in modern science and technology revealing the advances in electricity, telephone communications and the phonograph. Attendees enjoyed colorful parades, explored replicas of exotic markets, sampled foods from foreign lands and indulged in the customs of countries from every corner of the world. Buffalo Bill introduced Europe to Annie Oakley who thrilled the spectators with her sharp shooting skills and grand tents reenacted the shoot outs of the Wild West. Yet, while attendees were being introduced to such new inventions as popcorn, they would have to wait another two weeks before they could ascend the great tower.

Spectacular views await visitors on the third floor towering 905 feet above ground. From here, one can experience panoramic views of Paris’ city landmarks (such as the capitol building), explore the reconstructed office of Gustave Eiffel and sip on champagne while taking in the panorama. I imagined the experience to be just as exciting as the day the Eiffel Tower opened at the World Exposition. I would have to wait a couple of days to see.

Fast forward to dinner at the Jules Verne Restaurant and as we arrived I felt like a million dollars. An exhilarating feeling overtook me as we rode the elevator up to the second floor. David mentioned that he would not spare any expense to ensure that we enjoyed this moment, and we most certainly did. We each ordered the six-plats meal that included wines that complimented each course, taking our time to savor each bite.

Once we completed our dinner, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to reach the top of the tower and enjoy a glass of champagne. Even at night, the view was spectacular and the perfect ending to our exceptional visit to Paris. We prepared ourselves to leave the Eiffel Tower and made our last stroll looking out over Paris. We took one last look up into the starry night sky and boarded the elevator for our ride back down to the Champs de Mar.

No one could have ever imagined that The Eiffel Tower, scheduled to be dismantled in 1909, would host close to 7 million visitors a year. Once the subject of controversy among Parisians, La Tour Eiffel has become the most visited monument in the world, offering tourists such as David and I the opportunity of a lifetime.

Have you visited the Eiffel Tower in Paris? Did you take the elevator up to the top? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my exciting experience at the Eiffel Tower and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

The Eiffel Tower
Champ de Mars
5 Avenue Anatole France
75007, Paris, France
Telephone: +33 8 92 70 12 39

Admission: 15.50 Euros all the way to the top; 9 Euros for the first two flights of stairs; 5 Euros to climb the stairs to the first or second level; not covered under the Museum Pass
Hours: Open daily from mid-June to August from 9AM to 1:45AM; last ascent to the top at 11PM; and to lower levels at midnight (elevator or stairs);
Tips: Advanced reservations are highly recommended to eliminate waiting in long lines. Purchase tickets online at www.toureiffel.paris up to three months in advance or by phone at +44 11 23 23. Tickets sell out fast from April through September, so book as soon as possible.

Where to Stay:

Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris
31 Avenue George V
75008, Paris, France
Telephone: 33 1 49 52 70 00

Where to Eat:

Le Jules Verne Restaurant
Avenue Gustave Eiffel
75007, Paris, France
Telephone: 33 1 45 55 61 44

Tips: There is a dress code and reservations book up quickly.

Seeking Holy Wisdom in Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia

27 March 202325 May 2025

My first visit to Istanbul was on a summer girl’s trip. Our plans were to start out in Istanbul, Turkey, explore the beautiful coast and sail to a few of the nearby Greek islands. With only a couple of days in the capitol city, I was disappointed that we had such little time to visit more of Istanbul’s historical sites. I remember how fascinated I was to see the mosques, the Hippodrome and the Bosporus River all the while watching the city celebrate the Ramadan holiday.

A couple of years later, I returned to Istanbul on a Footsteps of Paul cruise and I was thrilled to be back for two full days in the city. Happy to visit the Blue Mosque and the Spice Market, our first stop was the Hagia Sophia.

The Hagia Sophia (eye-ah soh-fee-yah) has been described as one of the greatest sites of worship for both Christians and Muslims. Initially built by Emperor Constantine in 537AD as a Christian church, the site was later converted into a mosque when Islam became the country’s central religion. I imagine all of the thousands of Christians arriving to the Hagia Sophia to worship in such a beautiful place. Considered one of Istanbul’s most impressive attractions, nearly three and a half million guests visit this historical site which is now an educational museum.

Upon entering, all guests are required to remove their shoes and the women must cover their hair. We approached the Hagia Sophia through the vestibule on the western side where we were then led into the open expanse of the former church. The central bronze doors were brought to the site from an ancient temple in Antioch. Known as the Emperor’s entrance on special occasions, the spectacular mosaics decorated the transom dating over 1500 years to the time of Justinian.

Measuring nearly 250 feet long, 230 feet wide and towering 90 feet high, this space is exceptionally large. Its architecture is influenced by both the Byzantine and Ottoman empires. An outer narthex leads into the inner narthex (a porch area of the church) and finally reaches the nave in the center, where the congregation would have met.

The half domes display colorful mosaics of Mary holding the infant Jesus which were later concealed when the church became a mosque. Once the facility became a museum, the images were discovered during a restoration project and ongoing renovations continue to uncover extraordinary artwork.

The impressive dome is held up by its walls and arches that strategically distribute the weight of the dome to create a pendentive. Reaching a height of 185 feet and measuring 100 feet across in diameter, there are 40 ribs made from bricks of clay imported from the Greek island of Rhodes.

When the Hagia Sophia was built, it was constructed with the finest materials that were imported from all over the ancient world. The large green column was removed from the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus as a spoil of conquest (spolia). The two alabaster urns are from the Hellenistic Era of Pergamon and the purple columns behind each urn are older than the Hagia Sophia itself.

The panel on the walls and the inlay on the floor are a collection of purple porphery from Egypt, green stone from Thessaly, black stone from the Bosporus, yellow stone from Syria, white stone from Cappadoccia and golden stone from Libya. The green marble circle, called the Omphalion, was the spot where the emperors were crowned.

Within the Hagia Sophia are a few Muslim elements that remain on display. The mirhab, known as the prayer niche, oriented the Muslim’s direction so that he could position himself to pray towards Mecca.

The Mimbar (meem-behr) is the raised pulpit in a mosque where the imam would stand halfway up the stairs to deliver his sermon.

The upper galleries with their arched open spaces are accessible by a ramp near the Narthax. This second level was designated for women who came to the mosque to worship and we learned from our guide that there are beautiful mosaics on display.

When the church became a mosque, many of the mosaics and frescoes depicting people were covered as required by the Islam religion. While the building was undergoing restoration, seraphims in the upper corners were recently unveiled. It was estimated that they had been painted in the 14^th century AD.

There are a total of eight medallions suspended from the arches overheard. The Arabic writing documents the names of leading Muslim figures, as images of people were forbidden to be displayed in a mosque.

As I exited the Hagia Sophia, I noticed the reflection of the Donation Mosaic in the mirror above. The mosaic is on the opposite side of the wall where Mary is holding Jesus in her lap. Jesus makes the sign of the trinity with his three fingers of his right hand and holds the Gospels of the Bible in his right hand. Two men stand beside the Virgin Mary and Jesus, with arms outstretched offering them gifts. On the right is Constantine presenting them a model of the city of Constantinople and on the left is Justinian gifting them the Hagia Sophia, Our guide pointed out that the Hagia Sophia was painted as it would have looked when it was a church without the minorets and a cross at the top of its dome. This 11^th century mosaic dates back to the reign of Basil II, an emperor of the Byzantine Empire.

What amazed me about the Hagia Sophia was seeing the combination of Christianity and Islam in one location. I was also intrigued by the recent findings and the uncovering of Christian artwork that had been hidden for so many years. Researchers are optimistic that they may find more of these extraordinary treasures and It will be interesting to learn what they will discover.

What was your experience like at the Hagia Sophia? What were some of the aspects of the museum that interested you? I would love to hear about your visit if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Wishing you many Happy Travels!

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What to See and What to Do:

Hagia Sophia
Sultan Ahmet Mahallesi
Ayasofya Meydani
34122 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey
Telephone: +90 212 522 17 50

Admission Fee: 60 Turkish Lira
Hours: The museum is open April 15 – October 31 from 9AM to 7PM, with the last entry at 6PM; November 1 – April 15 from 9AM to 5PM, with the last entry at 4PM. They are closed on Mondays. Last tickets are sold an hour before closing.
Amenities: Audio guide (30 TL) can be accessed at the museum’s entrance provided in the following languages: Turkish, English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Arabic, Japanese, Persian, Greek, Russian and Korean
Scenic View: Splendid views of the museum from the upstairs gallery
Length of Visit: 1 – 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: The Hagia Sophia is located in the Sultanahmet District across from the Blue Mosque. Arrive early in the day as crowds to purchase tickets can be long. Dress appropriately as you may be turned away for not covering your knees and shoulders. In addition, there are several ways to purchase tickets ahead of time, which will allow you to skip the ticket queue. According to tradition, if you “turn your thumb” in the historical pillar, all of your wishes will be granted. Gil is the name of the resident cat who lives within the museum. Private tours can also be purchased at the door. Don’t forget to visit the upstairs gallery for additional displays.

Where to Stay:

Fer Hotel
Mollafenari Mahallesi
Turbedar Sk. No. 12
34120 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey
Telephone: +90 212 522 50 80

Where to Eat:

Cozy Pub & Restaurant
Alemdar Mh., Divan Yolu Cd. No. 60
34110 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey
Telephone: +90 212 520 09 90

We loved sitting in the alleyway at red and white checked clothed tables. We ordered Efes beer and appetizers which included hummus, tzatziki sauce, pita bread and spring rolls. Ask your server to let you go up the small elevator for an amazing view of the Blue Mosque!

What to Eat:

Baklava: made with puffed pastry, this dessert has chopped nuts (my favorite is pistachio), and is covered in honey.
Gozleme is a type of bread that is shaped in a square and stuffed with various fillings such as meat, cheese, potatoes or vegetables and then cooked over a griddle. The cheese and spinach reminds me of spanikopita.
Iskender Kebab: thinly sliced lamb is smothered in tomato sauce and served with traditional bread, then topped with yogurt and butter.
Mezze is a sample of several small bites that may include yogurt with herbs, hummus, olives, dolmas (stuffed grape leaves), meatballs, eggplant, white cheese and warm bread.
Simit is a fun street food bread that is similar to a pretzel.
Tarihi Osmanli Macunu (Traditional Ottoman Candy): Made of five different flavors of thick taffy spiraled deftly around a stick and then sprinkled with fresh lemon juice, creating a delicious and savory lollipop.
Turkish Apple Tea is absolutely amazing and was one of my favorite drinks while visiting Turkey.
Turkish Delight: a delicious dessert is made up of dates, pistachios, hazelnuts, which is pink in color.
Turkish Ice Cream, also known as Dondurma, is a little thicker in consistency, but it will not melt. A must try.
Turkish Pizza is outstanding and tastes so fresh. Made from Turkish Pide (a type of pastry), it is similar to a flatbread with a variety of toppings.
Turkish Ravioli: dumplings stuffed with beef or lamb served with yogurt.

What to Read:

Istanbul: Memories of a City, by Orhan Pamuk
The Bastard of Istanbul, by Elif Shahak
My Name is Red, by Orhan Pamuk
Istanbul Passage, by Joseph Kanon

Photo Guide for Istanbul:

Galata Tower for views of Istanbul and the Bosphorus River
The Blue Mosque for its amazing blue tiles
The Rainbow Stairs at Sali Pazari Yokusu
The Rooftop Terrace of Seven Hills Hotel for views of the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace AND the Hagia Sophia
Rooftop Terrace of Cozy’s Restaurant for views of the Blue Mosque
Inside the Hagia Sophia in the afternoon when the light shines in from the windows
The Grand Bazaar
Balat for colorful structures in the former Jewish neighborhood

For more information about the beautiful, exotic country of Turkey, check out the following links!

Topkapki Palace
The Blue Mosque
Spice Bazaar and Hippodrome
Ephesus, Turkey: A Journey Back in Time
A Turkish Carpet Demonstration
Kusadasi and its Symbol of Peace
The Theater of Miletus
The Baths of Miletus

A Seraphim that was uncovered in 2010

The Dome, the Seraphim, the Medallions and the Scaffolding

Chateau Laroche, A Labor of Passion

27 February 20233 May 2025

My fairytale adventure began at the entrance of Chateau Laroche in Loveland, Ohio. Locally known as Loveland Castle, this medieval mansion was an amazing labor of love and a symbol of one man’s passion and fascination with castles. It was here that Harry Andrews pursued his dream to design and build a chateau of his own, taking fifty years to complete.

As I entered the estate, there was a beautiful tribute to Mr. Andrews and photographs that journaled his progress in the building of his beloved home.

I was welcomed by Larry Crachting, one of the Knights of the Golden Trail, a society founded by Andrews and a group of his friends. He reminisced about Harry and his heart for the local boy scout organization as well as his life and passions. It was no surprise that the KOGT continues on through its current members preserving a piece of Cincinnati history. Allowing visitors to tour the castle is a wonderful way to carry on the memory of Mr. Andrews and his Chateau La Roche.

I began my self-guided tour of the castle starting in the dungeon. The tight curved stairway leading to the bottom of the ground floor felt eerily familiar to other dark stone buildings I had visited before. I took a quick moment to look over my shoulder to make sure the door had not closed behind me. As I entered the open room with a prison at the far end, I noticed the “wild man” lurking behind the barred door and then exited the same stairs bringing me back to the main floor.

I climbed a second set of stairs to the living quarters which was much more specious and open. A long wooden table with chairs filled the room as a meeting place for the members of the Knights of the Golden Trail. Hanging from the wall was each knight’s coat of arms, representing their heritage and ancestry. I imagined the knights would meet here to discuss their next item of business or maybe their next battle strategy.

I was fascinated by the structural details of the castle. The arches as well as the stone layers give the architecture an added depth to its interior. Crevices and storage areas in Harry’s room displayed additional items such as personal photos, paintings and artifacts. The extension of the balcony provided a scenic view overlooking the Little Miami River, while the tiered gardens could be seen from the upper terrace.

One of my favorite rooms in the castle was Mr. Andrews’ bedroom which reminded me of a tower with its domed ceiling. The room is blocked off, but one can clearly see the fireplace, hearth and medieval painting on display. Harry Andrews mentioned in one of his documentary videos that his colleagues did not believe that he would be successful in creating the dome, but obviously he proved them wrong.

Leaving Harry’s room, a corner display showcased two suits of armor while the hall was lit by a spectacular light fixture.

Looking closely at the stone in the wall, large rocks had been labeled with locations from all over the world. I also noticed a listing of the ten commandments as well as more suits of armor.

I was just wrapping up my tour of the interior of the castle when I happened upon a room with a looped video on display. Three documentaries provided additional information about Harry Andrews and Chateau Laroche. My favorite film was a clip of Harry which captured his sassy sense of humor, his vibrant personality and passion for his castle and organization.

I learned from the video that the castle was based on various fortifications that Andrews once visited after serving in the war in Europe. Sitting on only one acre of land, Chateau Laroche has 31 rooms, 88 battlements and 4 towers that stand 38 feet tall. The sandstones used to create his castle came from the creek bed of the Little Miami River within walking distance of the chateau. Additional blocks of concrete were made by Harry to complete the project when he had run out of useful sandstone.

It was his education at Colgate College in 1916 that ignited a love for the medieval castle as he studied Greek, Roman and Egyptian architecture.

After watching the documentaries, I strolled past the rooftop and realized it was not open to the public. It was quite noticeable that the structure was not stable, blocked off only to be seen through a wrought-iron door.

I was looking forward to exploring the grounds of the chateau and began making my way to the ground floor. I was impressed with the beautiful arches that led to the garden, which seemed to radiate with a golden glow from the sunlight.

A walk through the gardens felt as though I was visiting an authentic medieval castle and its grounds. The three terraces were adorned with potted plants and rose bushes which were wonderfully fragrant.

Found in unexpected places are private gardens of solitude with elegantly simple arbors. These modest gathering areas are perfect for taking some time to enjoy the outdoors and admire the scenery of the chateau.

I had completed my tour of Chateau Laroche and was touched by the dedication of Harry Andrews to complete his fabulous masterpiece. It is estimated that he gave 22,000 hours of his life to creating this castle, responsible for 95% of its construction. Over 2500 bags of cement, in addition to the sandstone, were used to build the fortification.

Harry himself was considered a medical marvel having survived meningitis while serving in the military. There is an absolutely fascinating story about his recovery that can be seen at the chateau.

If there was ever one who knew his calling in life, it was Harry Andrews. Watching older videos of Mr. Andrews, I felt a sense of appreciation for his passion for castles and for bringing about an organization dedicated to “doing good”. The Knights of the Golden Trail continue to this day with approximately 60 members who have adopted the legacy that Harry has left to them and his wishes to maintain the castle. Who could have ever imagined that a man, once pronounced dead, would come back from the dead to finish his life’s purpose?

Have you had the opportunity to visit Chateau Laroche and learn about the extraordinary life of Henry Andrews? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many Thanks and Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Chateau Laroche
12025 Shore Drive
Loveland, OH
Telephone: 513 683 4686

Admission Fee: $5 per person, children 4 and under are admitted free of charge.
Hours: Daily from 11AM to 5PM; April 1st to September 30th open everyday including holidays; October 1st to March 31st open everyday, closed on holidays
Amenities: Site Rental, picnicking, games and puzzles, ghost tours, gardens, video
Scenic View: Views from the castle overlook the property and gardens.
Length of Visit: 1 – 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Maximum of 40 parking spaces available. The restroom upstairs is closed to visitors.

Where to Stay:

TownePlace Suites by Marriott Cincinnati Northeast Mason
9369 Waterstone Blvd.
Cincinnati, OH 45249
Telephone: 513 774 0610

Where to Eat:

Paxton’s Grill
126 W. Loveland Avenue
Loveland, OH 45140
Telephone: 513 285 8147

The Caesar Salad with Blackened Grouper and a bowl of Hungarian mushroom soup was the perfect lunch combo!