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| Vikings heading up the Seine |
There are some basic physics when it comes to mass and space. A certain amount of mass can fill only the same amount of space and no more.
At one of the many award ceremonies held by the world of entertainment, Dolly Parton’s ample chest burst through her snug dress. When her dress mishap was repaired, Dolly said something to the effect of “My daddy always told me that you can’t fit five gallons of mud into a one-gallon bucket.”
That is true in every situation, including the Eiffel Tower.
Tourists wander around on the lower level of the Tower before taking an elevator to the second level. There is one elevator that is specifically for people. The other four are for operations to maintain the Tower.
One would think that someone would think I’ll take the next one…no, you go on… No, all crammed into the elevator #5 with space seeming to decrease as mass increased.
In 1985, My husband and I were part of that mass which also included a tourist bus of tall Swedish men…no, tall and big Swedish men. My husband was pushed away with the flow of people, leaving me in the middle of the elevator without him.
As the elevator went up, the mass increased at each stop. It became obvious to this 5` 4” female, I would soon be crushed in a vice of handsome muscular tall Viking giants.
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| Daily Mail UK: 1 in 33 Britains share Viking DNA |
One giant peered down at my desperate face and placed his massive arm over my head to the shoulder of another towering giant, who looked down at miniscule female (me). He braced his hand on the other man's shoulder, chuckling while saying something in Viking language.
The elevator opened, spewing its occupants out onto the top level of the Eiffel Tower.
The Vikings deserted me to gaze at the city they had once conquered, when my 5` 9” husband found me. We held hands, viewing Paris from the heights of the Eiffel Tower.
This is a repost from 2014. Apparently 1 in 33 English people have Viking DNA. My ancestors were from northern Scotland and northern Ireland where the Vikings raided early on. My family has 3-6 % Viking DNA. That totally makes sense. Although I am on the small side, my family predecessors were big people. Also, I am feisty and not quite combative. I don't take guff from any obnoxious person. Physically, I just give them my best glare of death.
You brought back some memories, but I didn’t see giants. I do hope you make it to Sweden to meet your ancestors, a lovely idea. I’d love to go there too,
ReplyDeleteWe always say "Next year..."
DeleteThere are worse things than being surrounded by big, beautiful men. Suffocation, though, is a definite risk.
ReplyDeleteI did not inherit the Viking gene, but my brother did. His DNA shows 2% Scandinavian. He is 6’3”. I am (was) 5’4” and shrinking as I write.
I am with you on that.
DeleteI like to think I have a viking spirit, I am sure I don't have the blood. LOL But the tower story brings back one of the ignorant things of our lives. In Paris we SAW the tower, but did not go there. Me thinking,"We will do it next trip. That has never happened, but we still hope.
ReplyDeleteLove it, And yes WE will always have certain situations.
Sherry & jack
Every couple should have place and situation that makes them smile.
DeleteLove your comedic telling … but I'm certain it was not funny at the time. Now I'm thinking, were this several hundred miles away, say in the heart of Rome I'd be giddy. :)
ReplyDeleteWe took a guided bus tour (the best way to go) in Rome. It was amazing to see history, some of which dated 2,500 years ago.
DeleteI lived my entire life pushing five gallons of mud into a one-gallon bucket. I would like to visit Sweden.
ReplyDeleteTeresa
Someday. River cruises would be good, altho expensive.
DeleteI am glad you did.
ReplyDeleteMust've been quite a trip. Imagine today with everyone taking selfies...
ReplyDeleteI am certain there are many selfies. I hope they also look at Paris and its views.
DeleteLove Dolly's humor--priceless. That trip to the top seemed a little claustrophobic but it was sweet of them to make sure you weren't crushed and it made for a lasting memory.
ReplyDeleteDolly Parton is so genuine. I love her.
DeleteThe only Scandinavian ancestry I knew of was from my Grandmother who was Danish. Then I had my DNA results. There is also some Norse and Swedish in there. So very interestoing.
ReplyDeleteThe DNA interest has exploded here. I was surprised by my Viking DNA.
DeleteMy claustrophobic self would have been panicking. No viking ancestory here (that I know of) despite my height. I am taller than your husband but suspect I would be dwarfed by the Viking horde.
ReplyDeleteAt five feet nothing, I'm dwarfed by everyone! At least I haven't shrunk at all. Yet.
DeleteCrowded elevators can be unpleasant. I suppose if one needs to tolerate them then the EiffelTower is the place endure them.
ReplyDeleteIt is the only way to the top. In 1887, when it opened, there were elevators. Go figure.
DeleteSounds like a memorable elevator ride:)
ReplyDeleteThat and looking over Paris were amazing.
DeleteI usually try to avoid elevators especially crowded ones. Great story though, I enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteBoy, do I understand that.
DeleteAt least no one broke wind in the elevator. That would be wrong on so many levels.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
That and vomiting. Yes, it would be wrong.
DeleteToo many can get too germy lol Don't think any viking resides in our family.
ReplyDeleteWho knows, Pat?
DeleteThis is just great, Susan! I love it. I never went up in the tower -- my height issue would just get to me. But I think being 4'9 in that elevator would have got me more! Hope the view was worth it!
ReplyDeleteClaustrophobia was not a problem for me at that time. But, I am way older now, and it gets to me.
DeleteOnce in Greece, we were told only 4 people could be in the elevator at the hotel at once. Of course, some of our group had to test that and be rescued.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like they were nice Vikings.
They were nice. No axes or swords or horned helmets, so darn it.
DeleteI would have wasted the whole day, waiting for an uncrowded elevator, and probably never have made it to the top!
ReplyDeleteI'd say you would have to go very early in the a.m., because tourists are still recovering from too much wine.
DeleteWell, if you gotta shuffle off this mortal coil in a spectacular fashion, being "crushed in a vice of handsome muscular tall Viking giants" is how to do it with pizzazz! There are worse ways to go!
ReplyDeleteWell, yes. being embraced by tall muscular handsome Viking Giants is not all that bad, I guess.
DeleteAnd that's just the DNA that remains in the code.
ReplyDeleteYou're 50 50 your mom and dad. But the other 50 50 goes into the dump.
My Viking ancestors are nameless really. Going to Sweden would be great to see and meet.
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DeleteYou'd think the Eiffel Tower people would wise up and provide extra elevators or at least a bigger one, which would of course again be filled to overflowing on each trip, so extra ones is a better idea.
ReplyDeleteI have relatives in Sweden that I've never met and none of us even knows each other. My mother's ancestors were from Sweden.
I don't know how bigger elevators could be built. Maybe there should be a DisneyLand approach on crowd control.
DeleteWell-narrated!
ReplyDeleteI hate being in overcrowded places.
Worse, when people around me are taller and heftier.
You definitely understand my dilemma.
DeleteHi Susan - I'm surprised it's only 33% ... especially as the Normans were also Norsemen ... and we know what they did in 1066! I hope you get there and see Scandinavia ... especially Sweden - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteWe have considered the River Cruises where it takes us along fjords.
DeleteBetween the heights and surrounded by Viking MEN, that sounds like it would have been much more fun for you than I...
ReplyDeleteYou know, it seems that a lot of bloggers have that height problem. First time I went up escalators, I almost threw up. I'm okay now.
DeleteMy ancestors were from the Scottish Highlands and Northern Ireland, too!
ReplyDeleteNo one should take us for granted! :)
I love this post. :)
In a history docu., the Vikings got pretty afraid of those Scottish highlanders. The Northern Irish were cousins.
Deleteoh that must be unforgettable experience dear Susan
ReplyDeletei can feel the shiver of your body when you were left alone middle of the elevator
i bet during whole next tour you held the hand of you husband so tight :)
Oh, I do, I do.
DeleteIt's a long, long time since I was at the Eiffel Tower. I don't have specific memories of the elevator, but since I generally feel a tad claustrophobic in such situations, I suspect I was happy to get off at the top.
ReplyDeleteFear of heights and closed spaces is a bad combo. I totally understand that.
DeleteI just haven't got a good head for heights so if I visited Paris and the Eiffel Tower, I would give the lift a miss …
ReplyDeleteI hope you get to Sweden, but seeing your comment to Hilary a river cruise sounds good too :)
All the best Jan
The river cruises have a good reputation, so we'll do it someday.
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