While we've seen the Eiffel tower from a distance and I did a quick run-by on a morning jog, we decided to get up close and personal. The structure takes on another personality from up close. Whether it is the hordes of locals and tourists lounging on every piece of grass and under every cover of shade, we weren't sure -- but it is a sight to see. Avoiding the queues and not being dressed for the hike up the stairs we continued along to Trocadero for a wide open view of the tower. Here we found people playing in a huge fountain and many entertainers. The weather was perfect and it seemed like the entire city was on vacation or at a beach party, sans-beach. Opting to go shopping rather than eating at a high-end restaurant, we found ourselves back on the Champs Elysee where Julie picked up a Parisien handbag and I grabbed a pair of much needed jeans for the trip. After yet another long walk down the Champs, why we never took the Metro evades me, we reached the hotel to shower up and head out for a another late dinner at 10pm. We settled into a small bistro in a square under the cover of trees. I finally made the plunge and ordered steak tartare. If you're not sure what that is, feel free to Google it. Needless to say if you have an issue with texture, I'd equate it to wet cat food, then you probably want to avoid the tartare. The flavour was good but the texture is a mental obstacle.