To think, they almost tore it down. The International Exposition of 1889 was over, and it no longer served a purpose. They were ready to take out the millions of rivets and reduce it to scrap. It was contentious from the start, and many luminaries of the day thought it an eyesore. But a new discovery was on the horizon, a new technology for communicating. Something that worked best when you could see farther, could reach a more distant horizon. The first in a long series of less is more discoveries...wireless telegaphy. (Followed later by the discoveries of 'cordless phones', 'smokeless tobacco', 'wireless headphones', and 'chewless breathmints', not to mention the 'paperless office' and the 'cashless society'.) And for wireless to work best you needed a tall tower. And, why, coincidentally, we happen to have one right here. Yes, no problem, an antenna at the top, and we are all set.
Which leaves us with still having something today to see all because of something that can not be seen at all. (Check out the big picture)
I love the Eiffel tower and Paris itself. What a great city... Does it still sparkle several times a day??? It did in January when we were last there, what a surprise...
Posted by: flygirl | April 01, 2005 at 08:45 AM
I love your commentary. Nicely analyzed.
Posted by: G N Bassett | April 01, 2005 at 01:10 PM
Bravo. Great shot.
Posted by: TSG | April 01, 2005 at 09:52 PM