Attention!

Attention! Watch out!

I'm going to share some tidbits of wisdom so that you don't have to hear these words if you ever visit Paris.

First bit of advice: wait for the little green guy light to tell you it's safe to cross the street. Apparently it is not a law that the car yields to the pedestrian in a crosswalk. In fact the car can come within a meter of the person and still be within his rights. Even if you see the green guy, look both ways before you cross. I know this is something you learned in Kindergarten, but it will help in Paris. If you choose to cross against the light, the oncoming traffic will NOT stop. They will only lay on their horn with the hopes to make you walk faster and get out of the way.

Also, keep your purses, backpack, and all belongings closed when in a crowded area or on the Metro. Doug has seen girls at work on the Metro trying to steal your stuff. (We even saw them on Sunday as well on the Metro) Be aware of people that are walking up and down the Metro. If there is a group of people (generally younger people) walking up and down the Metro, guard your stuff. They will walk past you and brush up against you. Or they will all crowd around like it's crowded and be up against you. Or, Doug saw this one...they will engage you in conversation and their buddy will get into your bag while you're engaged in conversation. If a random person starts talking to you on the Metro, guard your stuff. People here don't really talk to strangers unless they're asking for directions. And that's on the street, not the Metro. This also applies to very crowded tourist places. Someone will come and start talking to you and then the accomplice will score.

Anyway, just a thought I had today when I saw someone nearly get plowed over this morning. Thought I'd let you know!