Breathtaking!

I had big plans today to go shopping. There was a large shopping center that I had in mind, and I knew how to get there. Plans changed as I was sitting on the train. I was about 3 train stops away from where I planned to get off. I looked on my map and noticed that the next stop we were stopping at was called "Champ de Mars Tour Eiffel", so I thought that the Eiffel tower must be close by. The train was currently in a tunnel so once it got out of the tunnel, I first looked over to the right. I thought it would be on the left for some reason, so I looked across the train to the other side and out the windows. I saw no tower. I turned my head to the window right beside me, and there it was! SO BIG. In plain view. The whole thing from top to bottom! Right there! It was one of those moments where you can't breathe it's so beautiful. I stared at it for a few seconds, and then I couldn't see it anymore. More depressing, I didn't have time to pull out my camera. I promise, my camera will be ready the next time I take that same train.
I am very happy I saw the Eiffel Tower that way. The glamor and excitement kind of died down after being able to see it from a distance. Everywhere you are in paris, you can see it if a large building isn't in your way. I though that seeing the top of the tower every now and then would take away from the magic of it. But my first up close view of it was definitely not the same as seeing it from a distance. You have not seen the Eiffel Tower unless you've been up close to it. Here are my first few pictures.

Do I look like a tourist? I guess I would if I step aside to take a picture of the Eiffel Tower. But after taking that picture, a young girl that looked about my age came up to me and said "Hi, do you speak English?" I thought maybe this poor young girl needed help. Not like I know anything about being in Paris but ok. I said yes and suddenly she was shoving her clip board in my face trying to get me to sign some petition. huh? um no, I'm not going to give you money. Thanks chick for bursting my bubble and ruining the happiest moment of my life.

If you ever go to Paris, always say No to the people asking you to sign something. It's just to take your money. They seek out the tourist. American tourists who are nice enough to listen and dumb enough to sign something just to get people to leave you alone. I had to tell that girl no 3 times.

On the street that is in the last two pictures was a store that sold parfume and handbags and junk. I went in just to look and smell french parfumes. I knew I wanted to buy a small french parfume and use it every day. That way, when I smell the parfume in the future, It will remind me of my time spent living in Paris. So, of course, I got Coco Mademoiselle Chanel. It's pretty nice.