On Monday, I took one of my favorite walks in the Jardin du Luxembourg. One of the regular sights is the firemen on their run through the park, but on this day they were standing in line to have their picture taken with the Olympic sign. It has been fun to see how everyday Parisians are reacting to the games. Not their usual blasé facade.

I also bought a ticket to enter the Parc Urbain at the Place de la Concorde, set up for the urban sports of BMX, breaking and 3×3 basketball. So much fun! I could have done without the lines, but they moved quickly. I even battled the crowds at the merchandise store. And when I say battle, I mean it. I was able to snag the last of a particular tee shirt that I was wanting.

Yesterday I went on a walking tour that was arranged by Vicky, a colleague of Claire and Alex. Along with her husband, his sister and her husband and their four teenage children. The tour was given by Dr. Kelly Spearman, and she was able to deliver the history of the area surrounding Les Halles with such engaging stories. She brought everyone into history by giving us characters. I was Napoleon at one point.

We had lunch afterwards, which was also delightful. Food and company. I may have talked too much, but I was the new face, I suppose. I was worried that I would be a fifth wheel, but never felt that way. I was an honorary member of their band.

After we parted, I headed to see if I could find a shop that I had walked past on one of my days of wandering. There was a pin that I wanted to buy. Sometimes I think I am trying to single-handedly keep small shops (and some big ones) afloat. I had an idea where it was, but not sure, and was delighted to find it relatively quickly. It was pretty hot. The shop was there, the pin had not been sold and it was open! It was closed on the day I walked by weeks ago.

I have been writing this for days now, and again I am on a train on my way to visit two friends from my Livermore days. Richard and Lenore Denoix – former owners of Casse-Croûtes Bakery, my favorite morning stop on the way to the Bankhead. They are in Besançon for the summer, and I’m excited to visit. Last night I had dinner with a friend from even further back – Murielle Rifkiss from my days at Edwards & Edwards. We had some great food and even better conversation. I love to be around her because I get to practice my French listening skills.

I had made reservations at a restaurant the we had gone to the last time we ate together in December. Got an email confirmation, but when I showed up, they were closed. Not sure what happened there, but Murielle had warned me to call to make sure they were open – August in Paris. I thought that since they confirmed by email, we would be OK. We strolled up to the restaurant where we had lunch after the walking tour – La Grille on rue Montorgueil. They were able to accommodate us, and we had a great meal. I did receive an email this morning asking if we enjoyed dinner at the restaurant that was closed.

In other news, tomorrow I have my first Olympic event – the women’s basketball semi-final. There are two games, and I opted for the earlier one. I’m getting to the age where an event starting at 21:00 is a little too late for me. I didn’t know who would be playing when I booked the ticket, and had been watching the brackets I was worried that it would be USA vs France, which would be difficult. Who to cheer for? On the train home last night, I looked and I am seeing USA vs Australia. Much easier (sorry Simon). I also have a ticket for the final, and hopefully France will win against Belgium and then the final could be USA vs France, which would be easier. I won’t really care who wins. A real win/win situation. I am very excited. More excited than I thought I would be. I may have to stitch a French flag to an American flag.