Running Around Paris

Mark keeps telling me I need to bring this blog down a little. He fears it might be too much of a good thing. He suggested a post on “Ugly In Paris”, and even took a few pictures of cigarette butts scattered in the streets. I’m sorry if that is indeed what is due here, because these past few days in Paris have been nothing short of glorious, and I just can’t paint it any other way. Maybe another time. But not today.

Yesterday seemed like it was the perfect day for the Paris marathon, though it might have been a tad warm for the runners by mile twenty or so. Several hours after the race began we walked to the start line at the Champs-Elysées. Some super-fast people were already hobbling around with their medals and their “Finisher” t-shirts. Any time we get a chance to walk on the Champs-Elysées when it is closed to traffic, we do it. Because it feels really cool, that’s why.

We then walked to Trocadero and down to the river to watch the mere mortals who were running the race at a four-hour pace.  This was around mile twenty-one, and it was plenty warm. They looked pretty miserable to me.

Every so often these little musical groups would play along the course to cheer on the runners.

Today was even lovelier, if that was possible.

I took a walk that landed me at this tiny udon restaurant right at lunch time. Mark and I had noticed it several times and intended to try it out, and today seemed like as good a time as any. It was narrow, with an eating bar along the open windows, overlooking the sidewalk, and long tables about six inches behind those seats.

I sat at the bar and enjoyed the street view.

My neighbor was sitting very close to me, which made it easy for me to admire her gorgeous red hair. Is that weird?

It was a short walk to the Tuileries.

I spent about thirty minutes doing this.

Because really- how could I not?

The only Parisians having a bad day today are those who wore too many clothes.

I hope you all are having a wonderful day.

And yes, there really is some ugly here. I just choose not to look for it.