Olympic Map of Paris

Creative Fortnight in Paris #24

Bois de Vincennes on Sunday

Every Tuesday on the main square of the neighborhood that I see from my window, a group of elderly ladies gathers at 2:00 p.m. Today, they came with thick-brimmed hats and umbrellas. Some of them were quickly moving their hands up and down their ankles and faces—applying sunscreen, I assume. One had a purple raincoat on. The group was much smaller than usual, probably due to the Olympics, vacations, and weather—only four of them—but they were as well-equipped as ever and ready to head towards Bois de Vincennes.

A couple of weeks ago, I went for a walk at this very hour and saw (I think a different) group of ladies practicing tai chi next to the lake in the Bois. That day, the breeze was light, the birds were chirping, and Birdie and I were in a good mood as summer finally felt like summer on that specific day (not today). He, Birdie, was reading my mind and went in the direction of the tai chi grandmas, but I, somewhat politely, stared at the grass to avoid a…