French 101

Off to Paris and so happy to be awake at 6AM!

My knowledge of French goes about as far as singing Be Our Guest from Beauty and the Beast, and let me tell you, that does not suffice in Paris.  Although the areas of Paris that catered to tourists generally spoke English, I noted my personal ethnocentrism as I assumed everyone would understand me.  After learning some greetings and useful terms from Kara and Mac, I was able to order food at a restaurant we visited before heading to see the Eiffel Tower.  There was an egg on top of my steak, which was just the kick-off to my odd food experience in Paris.

Steak Tartare

And this is a large coffee.  The French have a much better grasp of portion control.

The Eiffel Tower was just as beautiful as it is in pictures except so much more massive.  We climbed as far as they allow tourists to go- 670 steps up and 670 steps down.  Needless to say, I will never look at a step class the same again.  The sore calves were absolutely worth the breathtaking view from the three levels of the tower.  Peering over the city really made me realize how small I am and how big the world is.  It was a humbling experience.