Bonjour a tous!

Il fait beau encore aujourd’hui, alors, je suis allé courir au jardin du Luxembourg. C’était parfait! Il y a beaucoup d’autres coureurs dans le parc.

What an absolutely charming place to run. I used the iPhone app that I always use when I’m starting my running program after having some time off. I don’t veer from it, either, as the program eases you into running without pain or discomfort. It’s called “5K Pro.” It’s “pro” because I paid for the premium version, and it’s well worth the one-time fee of $5, trust me. I just select my Apple Music running playlist, and off I go. Je l’aime!

Honestly, I’m just so grateful I’m still running at this stage of the game, and I really do credit this app for that. Too often we go off willy-nilly and get injured. I did that to myself a year ago (May), and I KNOW BETTER. What was I thinking? Ugh. Anyway, I recovered and returned to running by June/July. However, I’ve again taken time off these past 3 months off since my arrival in Paris. I’ve done only strength training while here using the Peloton app – but no cardio, unless you count the endless stairs I’ve climbed at L’Alliance Française, and all the long walks all over the city with my friend Irene.

I had every intention of taking photos as I ran, stopping here or there, but I totally forgot. I took only one photo — as I finished my run. I left the park and was waiting for the light to change, when a French woman started asking me questions. I had my AirPods in, listening to Lady Gaga (Brown Eyes, if you want to know), so I took one out to answer the woman. She wanted to know if I knew where a certain street was, and lo and behold, I knew the street! I couldn’t believe this was happening. I told her I was going right by the street, and said she could follow me if she wanted. Vous voulez me suivre? Then she asked me if it was far, and I said, pas du tout. She didn’t speak any English. We chatted the whole way, and she was quite lovely and grateful. She asked if I’d been running (no doubt noticing my attire), and I said, yes. She congratulated me on this, and I told her I was happy the weather was finally nice enough for running. How crazy is this, though? I remember this happening to me in New York, at a time when I was there every day, and laughing to myself thinking it’s a good thing they didn’t ask me I three months ago. I felt the same today because I would not have been able to help her back in January. We reached the street and I told her I knew the street well because ma boulangerie préféré est dans cette rue! She laughed and we parted.

I’m just so happy for the run, the beautiful day, and the unexpected conversation en français.

Afterwards, I stopped to linger by the window of the jewelry store beneath my apartment, as I often do. I was still listening to my music, when I pulled my reading glasses from the “thigh pocket” of my running tights. A minute later I realized a gentleman was next to me picking up some coins. He handed them to me, and I was confused. Oh, they must have fallen out of my pocket when I pulled my glasses out. I never heard them hit the ground (or him call out to me) because of the music. But yes, exactly two 2-euro coins, which I had placed there when I left for my run. My just-in-case coins. I thanked the man, and went into my building.

Later, when I headed out, the same gentleman was on a bench outside and we exchanged smiles. That’s when I realized he’s homeless or perhaps just on hard times. He was so kindly towards me, and he could have easily taken those euros earlier, or after I’d left that spot. I would never have known. Hmmm… I tucked that thought away for the moment.

Everyone seems to be enjoying the lovely weather these days. Little girls are breaking out their colorful summer sandals (you can always tell when they’re new by the way the kids skip and can’t take their eyes off their feet). Shorts are making appearances here and there, too. And while there are fewer scarves, they are still ever-present, as is the French way.

After school hours, I bought myself a few specialty markers for my journal and writing, and decided to stay outa bit longer. I sat with a café crème for a bit, people watching. I saw a priest go by on a bicycle. That couldn’t have been easy. I wondered how he managed to not get his long frock tangled in the chains/pedals, but he didn’t. I wish I’d had my “phone camera” at the ready, alas, I was unprepared.

Je suis allée à ma boulangerie préférée sur la rue Notre-Dame-des-Champs, s’appelée Maison Thevenin et j’ai demandée “Deux Traditions, s’il vous plaît.” I’ve learned you don’t have to say une baguette traditionnelle. A simple “Tradition” in a French accent will do. I walked home, stopping to buy flowers from the vendor on the corner.

I reached my apartment and sure enough, the same man was still seated on the bench. Tu as faim? I asked. Oui, he responded. I pulled out one of my baguettes and handed it to him. Then, I gave him the euros that had fallen from my pocket. He was so overwhelmed, calling me “très sympa,” and thanking me profusely. Tu est sympa, aussi, I said. We smiled and wished each other a bonne journée.

Even though I’m technically not FLUENT in French, I so love that my knowledge of the language allows me to have so many kind exchanges.

Je suis reconnaissant.

À tout à l’heure!