I love Paris in the Summer when it sizzles....

It really wasn't sizzling today. I just like the song.... The Eiffel Tower. Wow. One of the 8 great wonders of the world. And we were on it. I think it is comparable to the World Trade Centers -- except still standing, or the Empire State Building. Lots of tourists, lots of cameras and lots to see. I can't believe Paris is as big as it is. The small part that we see (and it really isn't small), with all it's history and buildings, barely makes a dent in the expanse of the entire city. I bet most of the Parisian's don't even come downtown. Hundreds of apartment buildings. The difference between here and NY is that they are all the same color. And maybe the language. NY might not have as many French speaking. Also, we don't sell the funny little plastic models of the Eiffel Tower hooked on what appears to be a giant key ring.

We returned after walking most of the day to a relaxing dinner at the hotel restaurant. The doors were open and the air from outside was drifting in. We could hear the cars passing by and the people walking in the streets were within earshot of our conversation. We met a couple of ladies from America. It was funny because I was listening to these ladies speaking. and it seemed so normal to hear English. Then it dawned on me that I was listening to English in a foreign county. Hello! Conversation pursued with exchanges back and forth on where are you from and why are you here.

As we experience a lot of the local atmosphere, it has come to our attention that most of the French are crazy about soccer. It has also come to our attention that the World Cup soccer tournament has begun and a lot of Paris is excited. As we were dining tonight in the restaurant, intensity was brewing as the game progressed and not only could you hear cries from our location, but throughout the street. We were aware that people were watching on big screen T.V's and cheering loudly. As I was carrying on what I felt was a normal conversation with FL and Jonathan, I noticed that the attention I thought I had was not completely focused on what I had to say. They were actually watching and getting into the excitement of the game. So here we are, halfway around the world, after watching the NBA playoffs, the Rockies playing night after night, Tiger Woods competing the latest golf tournaments, and of course the tennis tournaments going on, I can now be ignored for the World Cup Soccer championship. Some things just don't change.

As the day ends, we look forward to our trip to the Louvre tomorrow. And then off to Luxembourg. It is a country approximately 30 miles in diameter. My grandmother's family is from there. We arrive tomorrow night and hope to be able to go to church on Sunday where my great grandfather was baptized and my great great grandfather was buried. I know..... exciting. I will give more updates on the Erpleding family history when I get to Luxembourg. We travel by Euro rail tomorrow evening. I have no clue what is to come but I will keep you up to date.

Again, FL would say something, but he is sound asleep. Jonathan is sketching in his sketchbook at the window of our hotel looking out onto the Rue De St. Honore. Here they actually let you open windows and let in the fresh air. Viva la France! Until tomorrow....