25 July 2009, Paris

My ATM card arrived today...and there was much rejoicing! Turns out, and no one can tell me why, it somehow came via Auckland NZ. Go figure. Went to use it and the building with the ATM is closed, so I'll have to wait till tomorrow. We have an early departure b/c of the Tour de France coming in. Some VERY big Armstrong fans who are going to be disappointed but it should be fun. We might do the city-wide skate tomorrow, too. Kids are going to a club tonight. Women get in free and guys are 10€ with an online coupon. 15€ without. Open bar from 24h-1h, but it means the late bus on my own probably, because they'll want to stay till 4 AM or so. Gonna pass and go with a group to Les Deux Canards next Tuesday and then next Wednesday to Angelina.

SEE MAP: Went for a long walk today--through Luxembourg Gardens and down the Boulevard Saint-Michel doing some shopping. I didn't actually walk all this, I took the RER up to the Gardens, and no, I didn't only get striped things...which is what my students have accused me of doing. Shopped at several places, but only found things I liked and in my size at Celio. Got 3 pairs of socks, two sweaters and a tee-shirt. I had already bought a tee-shirt and a sweater there earlier. Know what I want in shoes, but can't find 'em. Students went to the flea market at Porte de Clignancourt and had fun, so I might try that tomorrow after see the Tour de France.


View Larger Map

And here's a google shot of the Garden gates:


View Larger Map

I was sitting pretty much where the woman in blue is sitting...looking out at Notre Dame pondering the people who had walked and were walking along this root.


View Larger Map

Students ran into me sitting there. They had been to the famous Shakespeare and Company book shop, whose stamp in every book supposedly raises its value.

Came back and had some cheese before making a salad of noodles, mâche, cilantro, tomatoes, cukes, zucchini, and onion in a balsamic vinegar, basil olive oil dressing with garlic and dijon mustard. Shared it around, then we all shared candy, coffee, chocolate and wine.

Trying to upload some photos before bed.

Only a couple more days, and that's really hard to believe. Have to make reservations for next year already :)

G'nite