Now for some Paris "culture..."

When we woke up we headed straight for the Louve to hopefully get ahead of the crowds.  Since we only had a short amount of time we probably didn't get even get close to seeing a quarter of the building, but we did get a picture of the Venus de Milo and the Mona Lisa, and saw as much as we could in this enormous building before having to leave. 

After the Louve we went to the Arc de Triomphe and risked our lives taking a picture in the middle of the street.  Time was our enemy, so we took our pictures and then headed on to the Eiffle Tower. 

We went up to the second floor of the Eiffle Tower, and were able to get some great pictures of the city.  Have I mentioned yet that we managed to get through the whole week without it raining?!  The weather was beautiful and skies were clear all week long.  

Personal thoughts on Paris: the good, the bad, and the ugly...

The good:  A lot of history and so much to do that you really need several days to take it all in.  It's definitely a place that you should go to if you are interested, especially if you enjoy art and history.  

The bad:  The litter and the smell of trash along the streets was really disgusting.  I've also heard that French people are unfortunately not friendly for the most part, and have to be honest that for the most part I could agree. :/  

The ugly:  Gypsies are everywhere!  I was approached at a sub ticket machine where I was putting money on a card by a lady asking me to sign a piece of paper.  Well "Momma didn't raise no fool" because I didn't even look at her and told her to basically go away.  We found out later that they ask for your signature in hopes to get a glimpse of where your money is at, and probably in hopes to steal a credit card so they can later forge your signature.  Anyway, Amy actually witnessed them in action doing this very thing.  All to say that if you go to Paris--be on alert.