It Must Be Something in the Air

It must be something in the air, but whatever it is, Paris can find a way to rejuvenate you. After a much needed nap yesterday afternoon, Dave and I wandered out to find a restaurant (a somewhat daunting task when you don't speak French). When we stepped outside, the sky was blue without a cloud and the temperature was perfect. We held hands, strolled through St. Germain Des Pres and realized that whatever cafe we chose, we'd be happy. So we headed back to the same cozy street where we had dinner the night before and stumbled upon a bustling cafe with tables almost full on the sidewalk. Everyone spoke French and sounded happy, so we stopped. And settled in for a wonderful three-hour meal with the soundtrack of a guitar-playing performer across the street. Despite the fact that we didn't speak French, and our waiter didn't speak English, we knew he was friendly and we laughed and had a great time. I started with a vegetable tart followed by duck with currants and pear. Dave had a summer salad with prawns and a pineapple covered curried pork. We both shared a caraffe of wine and a cheese board for dessert. By 11, the sun had just set (I know, amazing) and we wandered back to the hotel - with a quick stop at Dave's favorite glace shop (ice cream) for some lemon ice cream. Perfect evening.

And then this morning, even with only 4.5 hours of sleep, I was up at 7 a.m. and headed out to Luxenbourg Park for an awesome 6-mile run. For some reason, I've been averaging some of my fastest times yet here. Maybe it's the palace, or the flowers or the slower pace of life...or maybe it's just something in the air.