Paris

We spent 6 months in Asia and encountered nothing but smiles and best intentions (even the guy who tried to charge us too much for our tuk-tuk ride in Penang never forgot his manners). We spent less than a week in France and met with at least 3 angry confrontations. Our host, tour guide and good friend Andrea ushered us onto this bus and asked the driver if his bus went to a specific place. "Fucking American! Look at the sign!"

"Your sign is off!"

"What do you think I am a map? Fuck you!"

The above picture is of a sign at the back of the bus, where it must be difficult for the bus driver to read. It says, "want info? ask the helpful bus driver."

I asked this phone what paintings he liked at the Musee de Orsay, but I didn't understand his response. "Decrochez?"

Climbing the Eiffel Tower was pretty lame and took forever! It sure is pretty from a distance though.

The one benefit of climbing the Eiffel Tower.

I love this sign for so many reasons. Are all French dogs poodles? Look at the woman and child pictures. They have no feet. That's because buggies, poodles and feet are not allowed on the escalator. Stop down!

A tourist friendly restaurant near the Sacr�-Coeur. I ordered everything that wasn't meat and coincidentally it turned out like a scene from Better Off Dead. Quiche, Crepes and Mayonaisse for our French Fries.

Andrea and her good people after the Fete de La Musique.

Tokyo has great pastry, but the French give a little more; for example, the same French labeling laws that prevent wine growers from using different blends of grapes than is determined for their region also prevent bakers from naming their pastries after anything that isn't featured in the recipe. It's a commitment to excellence.

Andrea and Sarah at the grave of Sarah Bernhardt

Aaron at Chopin's grave

We took this picture of Edith Piaf's grave for Carrie.

Look on my works, ye Men, and despair!

Two plus signs.

Rodin gave instructions in his will to never clean the fountain.

Arc de Triumph

Louvre

Sarah and a great big bowl.

My favorites were the marble sculptures.

"Max" is at the Museo de Pornography, down the street.

Orsay

One of my favorites.

The pay phone's favorite.

This Whistler may have been at another building. Great stuff!

Orangerie

Sarah trying a French face we learned. Pfff...

Versailles

Sarah saw this guy from across the train station and said she recognized him from the last time she visited Versailles a number of years ago. She wouldn't call out his name so I did and, lo, it was her self-same friend!

Great day for fountain hunting.

Another fine specimen.

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