Running and Endless Walking

April 5th, 2010

The morning began with a simple question. “Do you want to run to the Eiffel Tower?” I usually don’t like to say no to a challenge, so naturally my response was, “Sure, let’s do it.” We put on our running shoes, stretched and within minutes were outside in the brisk morning air. We crossed Rue de Rivoli and ran through the Louvre; the building is overwhelming and makes a person feel so small in comparison. In less than 5 minutes we were running along the River Seine with the Eiffel Tower in the distance. The wind was cold across my face but the beauty of the sun creating sparkles in the water distracted me. My lungs breathed in and out calmly, despite the morning traffic and cars honking. Il fait beau, it was beautiful weather. The run passed by quickly and before I knew it we were crossing the bridge towards to the Eiffel Tower on the left bank. Tourists were already waiting in line to ride the attraction, men were trying to sell rows of Eiffel Tower keychains and postcards on their arms, and big red buses with open tops were letting passengers off to visit the national monument. I was relieved to find that he wanted to walk back home instead of running. As we walked, the Parisian sun warmed my face and we practiced French vocabulary words all the way home.

After freshening up and having lunch in the apartment, we decided to explore the 5th and 6th arrondissements. We walked to the Tuileries garden and took many photos of the garden and the Louvre before crossing the river to the rive gauche (left bank). The small streets on the left bank were full of antique shops and real estate offices then the smalls streets gave way to a big street, Rue Saint Germain with famous shops like Cartier and Armani. We turned a corner and found an Irish pub called Corcorans and decided to go in for a pint. We talked to the bartender over a Magners and a Guinness and learned he was from Australia and married a French woman. He said his wife was constantly trying to teach him proper French but he still hadn't come close to mastering the language, even after living in Paris for two years. We finished our pints and continued on our way. Down the street from the pub, I found a great teal colored hat for 15 Euros. We explored Saint Germain a while longer before returning to our apartment. We ate a light dinner at home, curled up on the sofa and watched French television for a while before retiring early. Another beautiful day exploring the world's most majestic city.

BONNE CHANCE FELLOW TRAVELERS,

Lindsay