At least I think they are. The Metro entrances are known for being distinct and interesting. There are only two of the original Art Nouveau entrances left, unfortunately, but the others are pretty special, too. I will try to snap some more of the little gorgeous details for everyone to share.

you know, I haven't really encountered any major rudeness. They can be a little haughty sometimes, but mostly they are fine. honestly, I've had far worse service in Australia! As for them getting shirty for you not speaking French, well, I think those days are over. There is definitely an understanding that tourism is France's main industry, I think, and people are helpful. We were looking for a place the other day, studying a map, and someone actually stopped in the street to try to help us. Very kind and friendly. And we asked someone else for directions, and they couldn't help us, but someone nearby overheard and came forward to help us out. And yesterday, I was in line at a shop and the cashier asked me if I wanted a box with my purchase. I had no idea what she was saying, but the lady in front of me turned around to translate it into English for me. So, all in all, I think they're pretty damn good. Chris has been listening to language tapes and can order in a resturant and even make a few jokes with shop assistants, and I can mostly order food etc, perhaps not as politely or correctly as I could, but I can get by. All the big department stores have bilingual staff - it's really very easy to get by, basically. We've never been troubled by pickpockets. We are careful, however - never carry too much money, and always carry our camera or video camera case concealed within a zipped shoulder bag. I think it's probably like New York - if you are alert, they leave you alone. I have never felt unsafe here - touch wood! - even during the student riots that were on last time we were here in Feb/March 2006.

When I was is Paris, the group I was with and I wanted very much to use our French and get better at it. We ended up frustrated because as soon as someone realized we were American, they wanted to show off their English! That was 14 years ago, though... (OMG - 14 years! Eep!)

I hate having my photo taken, but I will make sure I am in a few shots next time I post. Keep an eye out for the end of the week!

Last time we were here we had a couple of not so nice experiences - a woman in a tourist-y area patisserie deliberately gave us the wrong thing just to be contrary, we believe (a coffee instead of a chocolate eclair. Can you imagine the scandal!) She did it with a superior little smirk, too. And another time a Parisian woman asked me where the elevator we were both in came out. We'd both come up from the underground tunnels into the Louvre museum, and I told her the lift went to the Rue de Rivoli. She couldn't work out what I was saying with my accent, then she did, and she laughed hysterically - in my face - at my pronunciation. She walked off laughing, and repeating my pronunciation to herself. boy, was I glad I'd bothered to try to help out... We have some great shots of the Eiffel tower my better half took at night time - very arty and groovy. we haven't got around to framing them yet...