Chompsee Leezay Day!

Another day, another world famous place. Today we headed up to the Champs-Elysees and the Arc de Triomphe. Aside from the chilly breeze, the 6 Euro cokes and the snooty waiter at George V, we had a good time.

In fact, JJ remarked on how some myths about Paris have proven, so far, to be false:

Myth #1: French are rude. We've had very friendly service. No one appears to be offended when we speak English. When we speak French, they sort of understand.

Myth #2: You'll be choke on all the second-hand cigarette smoke. While people do toke up at the drop of a hat, it appears that it's not allowed inside.

By the way, the snooty waiter had just cause. We went to an expensive place and ordered free water and the cheapest items on the menu. A 10 euro crepe and 12 euro quiche. (Note to our critics: see what we ate? Good Frenchy food!)

The Arc was commissioned by Napoleon, but he croaked off before it was finished. The tomb of the unknown soldier is under it, and there are a couple rooms up inside and a cool terrace to look out from at the top.

Here's me on the Arc de Triomphe with that pointy tower in the background.

We found this sign up on top of the Arc. JJ thought the second symbol meant no streaking. Maybe it means no Speedos!

After we finished looking around at the Arc, we headed back down to the street. That's when we saw these street dancers.

Quick stop at McDonald's (but only for a "cheap" Coke*) and then a quick Mètro ride to see the obelisk and the spot where the guillotine gave people an especially close haircut during the revolution.

JJ stands next to the spot where Mary Antoinette got separated from her noggin.

The obelisk in the center of all this was originally from Egypt. It's 3300 years old and covered with hieroglyphics.

Here's me looking like I just got back from the archeological dig that uncovered the obelisk.

I chose not to document in excruciating detail the grocery shopping we did next. But know this, it is far, far, far cheaper to prepare your own food than it is to eat at McDonald's. We bought a steak, broccoli, apples, sandwich fixings, soap and assorted other stuff for 25 euros at the grocery store. We got two cokes and something else, I don't remember what*, for 11 euros on the Champs-Elysees!

After eating said steak for dinner, prepared by Chef JJ at Chez Edstrom Frederickson, we walked over to Berthillon  to worship at the altar of delicious.

You wouldn't think this golf ball sized ice cream cone would be worth 2 euros. But it is! Berthillon owns Blue Bunny.

* Okay, so I also had a cheeseburger, but it was only to see if it was the same!