Tour Eiffel

Of course we did the good tourist thing and went up the Eiffel Tower. As soon as we got any where near the tower these West African guys would approach us trying to sell us a tower trinket on a key chain for 1 Euro. They were very persistent even when we said "No!" and kept walking. The whole time we were lined up to get tickets (yes, even in November there was a queue), we saw at least a dozen of these guys approaching people walking by or people in the line up. Interestingly, after we came down from the tower, they were nowhere in sight but I rather think that had something to do with the soldier with the automatic rifle. (These guys are vendors without licenses and/or illegal immigrants, so vanish when the authorities come. They are also pesky and bothersome!)

In addition to the hawkers of trinkets, there were women who were dressed in gypsy skirts moving through the crowds asking "English? Do you speak in English?" They were easier to ignore but apparently they claim they are Bosnian refugees and need money. Also working the fringe of the crowd were other African men who approach you with some coloured string which they weave together into a bracelet and tie around your wrist (all the while spinning a tale about happiness)--then ask for 5 Euros! They are pretty pushy too.

The view from the tower was magnificent (when we at long last got through the queue for security checks, the queue to buy tickets, the queue for admission and the queue for the elevator--I'd hate to be here in July!). It was a clear day and we had a 360 degree view of Paris. In this photo you can see the shadow of the tour itself. It was well worth the wait just to see the views.