We had an eventful day today. We started the day by visiting the Eiffel Tower. We had plenty of time to see it as a security scare left us stranded at the base for about 2 hours. The howling winds and the cold as well as the drops of rain the tower itself made the wait really fun. When we finally caught the elevator and began our ascent most were relieved but there were some that were seriously questioning the structural integrity of the elevator whilst clinging to the railing in horror. The French lift attendant just shook his head as if to say "ha tourists!" The view from the top was amazing and again very cold. The contents of this beautiful place were laid out perfectly. After that it was time for lunch, an event that would turn out to be the strangest lunch of my life. After purchasing chips and a hot dog, my group rested in the peaceful park. Being the naive Australians that we were, a group of teenagers came over asking us to sign petitions for the deaf and blind we participated. Nice guys Jamal and Peter were half way through the sheet before Mrs. O subtly intervened shouting "Stop! These are the pickpockets you were told about, grab your bags and your stuff!" Confused by the commotion I looked at the others and then back to find a hand reaching for my chips. Everything went into slow motion as one of the pickpockets helped themselves to a handful of my fries. I watched in horror. You could tell that they weren't intimidated by me though because they stood in front of me and ate them with a casual look on their face. I didn't know what to say or do so after they left unopposed. I ate the rest. I wasn't going to give them the satisfaction. I told our guide Wendy who was shocked. She had never heard of them stealing food before. After the waiting and theft we went to the music museum feeling emotionally and physically wounded. There was a man in the museum that played a huge range of recorders. He was an amazing player and had the coolest accent. After a lovely dinner we went on a boat ride down the canals of Paris. The view was striking as were the cyclonic winds. Most fled down stairs so they missed the proposal. A man proposed to his girlfriend at the end of the ride. Mrs. Dowling, Sarah Fraser and I are still not convinced she said yes. When we docked they didn't leave together and he was looking rather miserable. Either way we applauded and cheered even if it was in vain. Everyone was glad to see the hotel and sleep their last night in the beautiful city of Paris.

Austin