My first full day as a tourist in Paris was low key.  My host went out and got a baguette and a chocolate croissant – not a bad start.  Eventually, we made our way to the Bastille Metro stop – I really felt the need to see the Eiffel tower right away

My very first metro ride was quite entertaining – at the second stop a few musicans rolled a tiny PA onto the train and played some pretty jazzy tunes

This portable PA system was pretty awesome

When we emerged from the Metro we were suddenly in Tourist Central – every type of souvenir imaginable in many carts.  Everyone had a camera and the buildings were all very impressive.  I turned the corner and pow.. right there in front of me was the Tour Eiffel

I actually expected it to be much more crowded than it was – especially after reading in the guide books that many of the major tourist spots are closed on Mondays.

I was enjoying the statues – and so were the pigeons

Perfectly Parisian Pigeon

I felt obliged to take many photos of the Eiffel tower as I approached – they are all different angles, after all.

One would think to put on some pants before fighting bulls, no??

Here’s another naked dude, just hanging out looking at the fountains

Giving equal time to the naked lady statues

The sky looked remarkably like the sky in Vegas’s Paris casino

Ok, here’s another view because I doubt anyone else has ever posted photos of the Eiffel Tower

Here’s my perfectly Parisian lunch at a quiet sidewalk cafe. I was happy this cafe had a view of trees and only light traffic

I had a much better shot of these two approaching, but some rude tourist popped out of the cafe and took my shot. I was going to give him my email address, but eh.. this one will do

This place looks pretty cool

Rue Cler – made very popular by Rick Steeve’s

Purchased Brie, Camembert and Roquefort cheese on Rue Cler

Also picked up some berries to go with that cheese

This Metro sign was a welcome sight to my feet