Stuff You Should Know La Dame de Fer (Eiffel Tower)
Dec 31, 2020
Discover the engineering marvel of the Eiffel Tower, a global icon and architectural wonder. Hear personal tales of overcoming fears during visits, along with the inspirational story of Gustave Eiffel and his visionary funding strategies. Dive into its rich history, from a design competition in 1889 to a temporary structure that gained lasting fame. Learn about the teamwork behind its construction and the controversies it faced. Through humor and heartwarming anecdotes, this exploration reveals how the tower transformed into a beloved symbol of Paris.
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Josh Clark's Fear of Heights
- Josh Clark developed a fear of heights on the Eiffel Tower at age 17.
- He was so scared coming down that it took him an hour, despite the safety fencing.
Climbing the Eiffel Tower
- Initially, visitors had to climb 1,710 steps to reach the Eiffel Tower's top.
- This climb took about an hour, even for those accustomed to physical activity.
Democratizing the View
- Before the Eiffel Tower, panoramic views of Paris were exclusive to the wealthy via hot air balloons.
- The Tower democratized access for all with a more reasonable price.