Strolling the Champs-Elysees.

More like rowing upstream, not exactly a stroll. I must have picked the windiest, coldest day for a stroll along the Champs-Elysees. My eyes were watering so badly, my nose was running, and I thought my ears were about to fall off from the cold. But it is so very beautiful. So I'm not complaining. Not at all. From the manicured trees that line the Avenue, the flower beds with tulips in bloom, the famous stores and restaurants, the Parisien architecture, to the Arc de Triumph, and just watching the crazy traffic go around and around and around in circles, a stroll along the Champs-Elysees is a must for anyone visiting Paris.

And yes, of course I went in. And no, I didn't buy anything. Yet.

Dear Monsieur Construction Worker...

Thank you for reading my little blog! It's because of loyal readers like you that I'll get that book deal. Then Steven Spielberg will call, wanting to make the movie! And we'll both be famous!

But I think something got lost in the translation of my last letter to you. Sing...like Edith Piaf. Not indulge in your high school fantasy of being the best drummer in the world. Because frankly, Monsieur Construction Worker, banging on pipes isn't really the same as banging on drums. Trust me on that one.

Think Edith Piaf. Not Keith Moon.

And either Antonio Banderas or Colin Firth would be the best choice to star as you in the movie version of this little misadventure of mine. Don't you think?

Merci. Bon jour.

The New and the Old.

I finally made it to the Arab Institute. This is such a unique, technological, and sensitive building, I'm just honored to be able to visit. I wasn't able to capture the building in it's entirety, the close-ups of the lens panels,I hope,show the different lens positions, depending on the sun, which was hard to find today. But it was simply spectacular.

And from the newest achitechtural advances, I walked backward. To the ancient remains of the Romans in Paris (Lutece, as Paris was known in Roman times). These are the ancient ruins, from 2,ooo years ago!, of the arena in Paris that the Romans built. I know I may have a bit too many pictures of what you may think as stones, but wow! These stones were laid by human hands 2,000 years ago. And what of the cages? What certain death was held within those cages?

And is so my wont to do, I really tried to make my way back by retracing my steps. But, once again, I made a wrong turn. Regardless, much to my delight, my mistake had once again turned into a revelation! There, before me, stood the ancient tower (or what remains) of Lutece! I had found the only part of the ancient Roman wall that protected Paris. This wall is more than 2,000 years old!

Dear Monsieur Construction Worker...

Please go back to singing. Please. Stop yelling at your young apprentice, Javier. You know he's young and lacks the skills and experience that you possess. But yelling isn't helping him, or me. And you must stop telling him to "toot sweet!" Now you've got me "toot sweeting" as well. And I didn't come here to toot sweet.

So please, start serenading me and your lady-love once more.

Merci. Merci beaucoup.

Amparo Sanchez

I was fortunate to see this woman in action tonight. She and her band are nothing short of amazing! And to hear a concert in Spanish/bad-as-my-own-French was just the cherry-on-top!

Watch. Listen. And go buy her CD. I did.

Almost forgot the linky-link!

Monday, Monday.

It's cold and rainy today. I had planned on visiting Institut du Monde Arabe, but they're closed, as many places are today.

Even my neighbor lady is staying in on this cold and rainy day!

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

This has to be one of the most beautiful parks I have ever seen. Ever. It's a bit out of the way, and definitely not touristy. A lot of picnickers and runners were there. It's on a Butte, so it's hilly. It was quite amusing watching the people run in their various get-ups. I even saw one gentleman running, looking like he had just come from a fitting at Brooks Brothers. Really. And one young lady apparently counldn't run without the ubiqitous scarf. I just love the people here.

And the parc smelled like Spring. Like lilacs. And hyacinths. And green. I will definitely go back. On a weekday. They run like they drive here.