Both fighting the nausea of motion sickness from the train and over-heated metros, we ran to the Eiffel Tower. It was drizzling and cold. Our shoes were soaked with mud but at least we didn't slip and fall. When we emerged from the metro station at 11:55 pm, we thought we'd have to fight through crowds of people. Instead, it was pleasantly empty... at least where we were for the countdown.
Wait--there was no countdown. The crowd was surprisingly chill. All of a sudden, the Tower sparkled. Granted, it sparkles (hourly) every night, but this time it went off at midnight! Wow! A few moments later, a couple of amateur fireworks went off to our right. Nice! Everybody started drinking and a few people took the chance to kiss whatever pretty girls stood nearby.
Next, we headed for the base of the Eiffel Tower where Matt experienced his first pick pocket. There were pockets, but nothing to pick in them. Sorry Jean-Philippe. Hundreds of people poured into the streets on their way to bigger and better parties. This wave of pedestrians created the biggest traffic block--as did the hundreds of idiotic drivers... Who would drive on a night when metro fares were free?
Happy New Year everyone, even you Jean-Philippe.
I have NEVER seen city traffic like that!!! Bet that pick-pocketer was sorry he chose Matt! Ha! The fireworks here went on for 30 minutes or more. Wouldn't know, I was the only one who slept through it all! Miss you already. XXOO Mom
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