Heading South

We've covered thousands of miles already and it's only day 3. Of course many of those miles were on a plane to get here in the first place. Tuesday we made the trek back to Paris and had the unique opportunity to visit the US Embassy in Paris, but we were not allowed to take any pictures. I saw a lady get in trouble for taking pictures across the street, so between that and the guns the guards were carrying, I decided not to risk taking a photo.
During out visit we me with Elizabeth Berry, Administrative Counselor for Ag Affairs at the US Embassy. We had an interesting discussion with her about trade between the United States and France. For example, each year the United States imports $2.3 billion in goods from France. On the flip side, France only imports about $700,000 in goods from the US each year. Quite a difference that I'm sure France does not mind. According to Berry France has come up with several reasons to keep our products out of the country, but of course none grounded on scientific basis, but lame excuses and delays. The prospect for change does not seem ideal because France just took over Presidency of the European Union July 1st. Needless to say, that gives the country and little more muscle to flex.
Moving on to more fun topics, Tuesday night we had the chance to do what everyone in Paris should do…. Climb the Eiffel Tower. Well, we didn't climb so much as ride the tram to the top, thank goodness. The pictures do not do it justice but I'll try anyway.

Following our trip to the top, many in the group took a boat ride on the Seine River around many parts of the city. While they did that, the rest of us took a hike to the Arch De Triumph. According to ALOT class member/tour guide Johnny Veibrock, Napolean built the massive piece of beautiful architecture for his wife.