Today was an absolutely gorgeous day in Paris! It's what the Parisiens call "faux printemps" or in English, false spring. I was in the middle of slicing through a mountain of online "red tape" looking for work when I glanced out my window to see nothing but sunshine and smiling faces. Smiling faces in Paris are more rare than the sun in February.
I wasted no time heading out the door and hitting the Bastille metro station. I knew that if I were to enjoy such a Parisien afternoon, I had to get to the Jardins de Tuileries, that act as a rather picturesque driveway to the Louvre. No changing stations here. I decided to leg it today and took M line 1 La Defense to the Charles de Gaulle Etoile station. You are literally staring straight up at the Arc de Triomphe when you exit the metro.
Strolling the Champs-Elysees is great for people-watching. Resist the urge to do any shopping there as prices are double what they are two blocks away. It's not as hard to fight the urge to sip an 8euro coffee at one of the cafes, as it's 2euros at better cafes.
I spent an hour just sitting in the Tuileries watching tourist and Parisiens alike, taking in this rare afternoon. I flirted with the idea of heading into the Louvre for what will have to be one of many visits, but decided that days like today are meant for being a flaneur.
As I passed by the St. Antoine metro station, I decided that today was meant for walking and that's what I did. Over six miles today. With Sciatic nerve pain shooting from my spine down to my foot. Damn, it was almost perfect! Please enjoy the new pics! The link is located at the bottom of this page. They are also available on facebook and Picasa. Ciao for now!
sounds like a beautifull day justin :)
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