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Off to a late start again today. Couldn't believe the number of business's that were not open at ten o'clock in the morning. Normally busy thoroughfares are empty. Left for the Louvre on the underground and I must restate that the system here is very good. About 2.40 and you can stay on the subway as long as you don't leave a station so a cheap way of getting about and runs to the minute must say its a hundred percent on Melbourne. Got to our destination and a long line to get in. Making it worse was that it was raining and didn't stop until we got in a period of about 45 minutes. Glad it was raining or it would have been much longer. We had lunch in a restuarant and that meant more waiting. This was a test of patience.The museum was a convoluted labyrinth of halls and you really needed a gps to get around. We eventually reached the Mona Lisa and the thing that struck me was the size of the painting compared to others in the museum. But it didnt matter where you stood she was looking at you due to the overlays put into the painting certainly ahead of his time.Some fantastic paintings and although not into art you could see why people spend so much time here. After a couple of hours we attempted to exit but it took a long time to get out in this maze. Eventually got out and went to subway and on the way a fellow laying on the footpath in the water with his hand out. Nobody seemed to give a continental or check to see if he was ok so I had a look and saw a hand open so I suppose he was begging. Off to the Eiffel tower as we were told to get there about 4.30. Great time only had to wait another 45 minutes. The first lift takes you to restaurant and next part takes you to middle. This lift goes up at an angle and when reach second level it stops and have to get on a lift that goes straight up. Get to top and wind blowing a gale and haven't been so cold in a long time. The top is roughly 50 metres higher than the Rialto at home. Soldiers with guns parade around and have to get bags scanned like at airports for both the Louvre and Eiffel. After awhile the weather cleared a bit and were able to take some better photos. Took a video going up but not on the way down couldn't hold camera as to cold. Couldn't believe how many people lining up at half past six on a Monday night. Walked from tower to apartment about ten minutes and now kids gone out with a French woman for a night out. Me have a can and going to bed. Have enjoyed Paris as had some negative vibes but language barrier has been good just hope that Switzerland is a bit slower pace as we fly to Geneva tomorrow at 4pm.
Forgot to mention the buskers on the trains. Some piano accordion and others as we found today doing a sort of puppet show really entertaining and took video of one. Then the plate goes around. I suppose they can stay on subway for 2.50 a day and must make some money.
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