It's possible to descend from the second level by foot.

No introduction necessary for this giant hunk of steel. Take the Metro to Trocadero and you’re there. Keep alert for the occasional bomb threat, but take solace in the numerous heavies from the various French forces as they patrol the area while holding their weapons with an extreme sense of liberté.

The view over Paris from the second level of the Eiffel Tower.

What I’ll remember this place for, though, is the street hawking of assorted crap that takes place. The crews of predominately African immigrants work the area tirelessly, albeit with little success.

It must be questioned how they can possibly earn anything from selling this junk, especially as there is so little interest from human beings or animals which walk right on by. It would be enlightening to know which tourists are interested in buying bubble making guns, boomerangs, or electronic bird-callers while on vacation here. Add to that the fact that every other seller has exactly the same crap at exactly the same price.

African immigrants display their assorted crap to passers by.

In the short time spent in Paris, the mini Eiffel Towers pictured went from 4 for €1 to 6 for €1. While the rest of Europe edges closer towards hyperinflation, these statuettes chart their own path.

Each street seller sets up their offerings on a sheet, usually with handles tied to the corners, to enable a quick pick up and run in the event that the authorities drop by for a visit. It probably explains why your cherished Eiffel Tower photo frame comes with complimentary scratches included.

The Italian haka.

With the Rugby World Cup kicking off in Auckland, the occurrences of ‘flash hakas’ has given everyone something to smile at. Perhaps news has managed to spread all the way to Rome, stirring the minds and hearts of local young science lovers of the Frascati Scienza eager to show their passion for their art.

Walking through the streets of Rome, I intersected a procession of sorts walking slowly to the beat of a drum by their staunch leader. The procession continued to the Spanish Steps where they stopped and began the show.

The outcome: a stirring performance which would make Newton smile from his grave, but probably best to leave the haka to New Zealand and the Pacific Island countries.

UPDATE 1: Thanks to kifaya11 on YouTube for clarifying that these folks are protesting the decline of science and culture due to the Italian government’s economic policies.

UPDATE 2: Appears that kifaya11 was a little off the mark. Slasli, a co-author of the Italian haka, clarifies: “Not exactly. I can assure you that this urban performance had the main goal of promoting the european night of researchers (23th September, Frascati).”