Thursday, December 30, 1999

Ramadan in Fes

Ramadan in Fes, Morocco.  The owner of this tiny shop gave me his hat.

Sunday, December 26, 1999

Three Hour Tour of Paris


The challenge I faced was this: a three-hour lay over in Paris, just three hours to see as much of the city as I can without missing my plane to Africa. I decided that my best bet was to commission a taxicab driver to assist me with my mission. I found a cab driver, who despite thinking me quite insane, agreed to give me a personalized tour.

My biggest goal, which was not to be compromied under any circumstances, was to ascend the Eiffel Tower. After all, what would a trip to Paris be without checking out the city's most famous monument? I have to say, the view was spectacular, both from the ground and from the deck. also, the tower was already decorated for the upcoming millenium celebration. Much to my dismay, I could not get my new digital camera to work. However, I was able to get some good video footage.

My second goal was shopping. I didn't have anything in particular I wanted to buy, but memories of watching the Griswalds' shopping spree in National Lampoon's European Vacation were running through my mind. I had the driver take me around the Arc de Triomphe, and then let me out on Champs Elysees. There was everything chic that you could imagine. I ended up buying a new Parisian perfume for my mother.

The clock was running, and there was a bit of traffic on our ride to the Musee du Louvre. Unfortunately, I did not have time to enter and see the artwork. Perhaps an adventure for a different day.

Last stop: Notre Dame Cathedral. The line was short and I was able to see the interior without difficulty. Finally, I got my new camera to function, and I was able to snap a shot of the building on the way out-my only still photograph of Paris.