Petals, Parks, and Playgrounds

It is springtime in Paris, and we have been overcome with the beauty of new flowers, trees leafing out, and observing so many people (and tourists) enjoying the out of doors! There is a saying that "the parks are the lungs of Paris", meaning that with so many people in apartment accomodations and small spaces, it is necessary to "get out" and breathe fresh air and open spaces. Baron Haussmann and some others were fore-sighted enough to plan for plenty of "green space" and parks. I hope you enjoy some of the beautiful photos.

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Giverny is the fabled home of Claude Monet, one of our favorite impressionist artists. He lived here for many years, established his home, gardens, and his retreat, the "lily pond". We were able to be there for a wedding early in April. It is about an hour NW of Paris.

These flowers are from an area just east of the Champs de Elysee, near the Concorde.

We have taken two major park outings in the last week: One to the "Bois de Boulogne" to the west, where there is a fabulous playground for children (for Ben and Tessa when they come!), a carnival, small zoo, and lovely walking paths.

Then on 14 April, we went way to the east to the "Bois de Vincennes" (BOIS means "woods") There is also a large carnival there, lots of green space, and a lovely lake , lac daumesnil, featuring two picturesque islands which we walked all around, stopping often to watch people of all kinds, young and old: sunning, boating, bicycling, picnic-ing, reading, and just relaxing.

We took two busses to the Bois de Vincennses,

#42, then #24 all the way, picked up some lunch take out at the local Monoprix. We returned on the #8 and 9 metros. We shook off our dusty shoes when we got back, and a quick shower was most welcome!

Wish you were here!