Recharge in Paris

I just returned from Paris. Life in the Northeast is like riding on a train full of people. You can't wait to get off, but the longer you ride - the further you get. In order to enjoy the ride, it helps to notice the details along the way while keeping an eye on the destination. It seems as though the Parisians have done both quite well.

The city itself is well-planned, from the gardens to the subway system. Paris seems to have been built with such grand plans, yet all the little details are there too.

Transportation in paris is effortless. Beyond the beautiful art nouveau subway entrances painted dark green with deep red light globes, there are 20+ subway lines all interconnected with trains running every 3-5 minutes. Streets are beautifully lined with a mix of old and new architecture which transforms walking into strolling (and later into meandering.) Throughout the city there are rental bicycles lined up in racks. For about $2/day you can grab one, and return it to another rack elsewhere. All of this translates into cleaner air, while providing you with enjoyable and effortless transportation options.

You can have a fresh croissant (with chocolate!) at almost any street corner. There are no lines to wait in, just tons of little tables to sit at. Almost all restaurants have the front wall open to the sidewalk and you can't help but to sit and relax. Coffee is served in tiny cups with lots of sugar. The sugar crystals stick to the lip of the cup and the aroma is strong.

The Musée d'Orsay and other national museums are free to people 18 and younger - an obvious effort to provide art and culture to everyone from a young age. And it shows. Parisians are proud of how they look, and how they live. Public bathrooms are as common as phone booths (which they still have) and most are free - cleaner streets! There are trash and recycling receptacles in all public places and cleaning crews are constantly visible. All this contributes to a healthy and aware society.

So as I recharge this summer, I'll enjoy great music, interesting books, wonderful movies, amazing food, big thoughts, and of course, my family. And hopefully, I can carry this through the Fall and beyond!