16/10/25 While Out Walking

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One of the downstream effects of Roger's little excursion through the Swiss health system and his ongoing recovery was that our itinerary changed and we ended up spending our first morning in Paris doing (un)exciting things like changing bookings, seeking refunds, figuring out last minute train timetables, and making sure accommodation had lifts and space for Steve in the bathroom. At least it was a grey, cold day outside so it was easier to resign myself to staying indoors.

In order to combat cabin fever and keep Roger moving we went for regular walks, so that's what you get to read about today.

First walk: a little jaunt around the block that contained the Musee de L'Armée, 


the Tomb of Napoleon,


the National Cybersecurity Centre (ANSSI in French acronyms), and the offices of the Secretary General of Defense.  As well as the grand buildings there were a lot of high fences, guards, and gates that the general public couldn't go through. I didn't take photos outside the ANSSI though, not wanting to be mistaken for a spy.

Second walk: Past the Human Rights memorial,



and back past the Eiffel Tower (yes, I knew what it was. I was just kidding yesterday).


We walked across the Siene.

The bridge was covered with people: influencers by the dozen did influencer things in front of cameras; couples made cute poses; families tried to fit all of their members into selfies; and at least three wedding parties lined up for photos with the Tower in the background.

Artists promising perfect portraits; a unique shopping trolley/barbecue cart; and two pink posers.

The sun popped out for a quick hello, highlighting Montmarte on its faraway hill and the clouds parted just long enough to remind everyone that there was blue sky up there somewhere. 

The third walk was just a quick trip back to the Tower after sunset.  People still posed and took photos and picnicked on the grass while they waited for thetower to sparkle on the hour. Our tiny corner of Paris come alive with outdoor eating and restaurants that we were never going to visit because they involved too much sitting on too-low seats in too-crowded spaces.


Steve wanted lights too. I said no.

We went home to bed instead.





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