Springtime in Paris

paris – 15 mar 2008

Yesterday, I took some time off (hey, I am half-time and had spent three full days in meetings!) and went to l’Orangerie which has been closed for “renovations” since I first came to a French ILOG meeting(back in 2000). The museum reopened since my last trip, and I finally got to go see Monet’s masterpieces. Unfortunately, yesterday was a grey, wet day again.

Today, finally, was a spring day here in Paris. I debated on a scarf (which doubles the number of people who think I speak French!), but knew that I would be too hot, and then headed out without one. It was a good choice as the day got very warm. The Parisiens were out in force in the various gardens I visited. I thought of Chloe when a mom placed a young girl Chloe’s age down on the bench that I was sitting on in the Jardin des Plantes and took the girl’s shoe off to shake it out. That wasn’t enough. Mom wiped off the sock. That wasn’t enough. Mom took off the girl’s sock. Ah, relief at last! The little stones had worked their way into the little sock causing major discomfort.

I ignored the people trying to sell me something (I know not what), and they appeared to get angry with me. Their words couldn’t hurt me as I couldn’t understand them! I happily found some interesting squares and neighborhoods that I had not been to before. I rode the new tram (T3), but I think everyone else had the idea to ride the new tram on a spring day — it was WAY too crowded, even for the French. Tomorrow the roads along the Seine are closed to cars. I may head out for a nice stroll along the banks. But only if it spring is not capricious and decides to stay for a while.

paris – 15 mar 2008