Eiffel Tower

I experienced very little of my fear of heights traveling up the Eiffel Tower elevator. That's probably because the structure's steel girders and beams wrapped my field of vision in protected safety. The rainy weather shrouded the summit views in an Impressionistic haze but still afforded spectacular views of the city. My favorites were the curved galleries of the Trocadero, the Seine river traffic and the golden dome of the Hotel des Invalides. The Sacre Coeur and Notre Dame Cathedral barely materialized in the distance.

The summit room also displayed small flag icons showing the directions of various countries and cities. I took some shots of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Manila, Philippines; and Los Angeles, USA.

Second floor views proved even more memorable since we were closer to the ground.  In addition, three gift shops offered some last-minute buying opportunities for a three-inch-high metal Eiffel Tower model and an "I Love Paris" t-shirt.

My fear of heights returned as we descended from the summit to the second floor, probably because the downward movement was like falling in slow-motion. The solution was simple -- I simply closed my eyes until we reached our destination.

Rude French?

Here's what we've experienced with the French. Bear in mind that we've spoken to them primarily in their language:

• They've greeted us with Bon jour, monsieur and bid us Au revoir whenever we entered their stores. We responded in kind.
• They constantly said Pardon for any slight that they perceive they do.
• When we were struggling with maps and directions, some asked us , primarily in English, "Can we help you find something?"
• They complemented us on how good our French is, even when it isn't. I say "Yes, it's French with a strong American accent," they protest and say it is good pronunciation.
• Individual shopkeepers talked to us about their art, their merchandise and even the weather.
• They switch to English when possible, whenever they see us struggling with the language.

So where exactly are these rude French that people keep talking about. I found them no better or worse than any other nationality. Granted, the food servers did not make the same kind of insincere, smiley small talk they do in California, but waiters and waitresses do not generally get tips. And far fewer of them may serve more tables (while also bussing, greeting guests and taking reservations on the phone).

Rude Americans

Here's what we've observed about some Americans:

• Some are the loudest people in restaurants and train carriages, their voices echoing through a quiet setting, since they assume nobody can understand their English. More often than not, everyone knows exactly what they're saying, since many French, as well as tourists of other nationalities, understand English.
• They shout orders at food servers or guides in English and get annoyed when the French do not understand their English.
• They enter and exit stores without greeting the shop owners -- a most stores are run by their owners.

I'm happy to report that these behaviors were the exception rather than the rule. Most Americans did make an attempt to communicate in French and to treat the culture with respect and understanding.