Checking In From Europe


After almost a week in Paris we're now here in Venice,Italy. First let me say that I loved Paris.
The last time I was there was back in the early 1980's and this time was magical !

I knew it was going to be great the minute our driver dropped us off at our hotel the Montalembert on Rue de Bac in the 7th district,about 6 blocks from the Tuilleries Garden and Lourve Museum. The hotel was modern and chic...very clean with a super friendly staff. It was central to everything-all walking distance.

I got a chance to get a few runs in, once thru the gardens and another up and down the Seine river.
The last run was at night, and I happen to have my IPod on , running to Queens "Under Pressure"and some Foo Fighters and Jack Johnson .....man that was surreal ! A lifetime Top Ten moment.

Another great thing was getting to see the Lee Friedlander retrospective at the Jeu De Paume near the Place du Concorde, fantastic museum. This is the same show that I missed when it was at the Modern in NYC this past summer.....so now I am fulfilled once again. I can't explain how important that show means to me. Das Good!

I got some images that I am very pleased with as a few rolls were processed at a lab I found near the Lourve. About 6 euros for a roll of c41 120, so not too bad at all.

As a coffee Junkie....this is where to get the worlds BEST coffee. NOTHING even comes close folks. The only downside is that its f'in expensive! About 4-6 euros for a Cafe AuLAit, thats close to $6 a whack! I'm spending a small fortune on coffee here.

I love Paris.I could live there in a heartbeat! I love the French. They are very civilized,polite and proud people.They have impeccable taste in Fashion,Food and life.

The French women are simply stunning! They dress so well and are all in great shape and sexy!


Venice,Italy:

So far, Venice is OK. I'm not that crazy about the place. Its dirty and it smells here.
I must say I've run into a few very rude Italians(Venitians), although I expected it as I had talked to some friends that travel extensively, and they all said that I would most likely encounter it. They charge for everything...price gouging the tourist is probably a sport here.

I've gotten some work done,but I look forward to leaving on Saturday for Portofino,then Florence for a week.

In closing off about Venice.....the light is fantastic,the food is good. I'll make the best of it,and try to enjoy and be thankful I got the chance to see this grand old city.

I'm starting to miss home a bit,especially my 2 dogs. I don't vacation well. One week is the most I enjoy..then after that I get restless. However- I am looking forward to Florence as it was the reason for the whole trip.....so I'm putting my best thoughts in.

SBR....................I miss it. I feel so out of shape although we walk about 5-8 miles a day. I'm used to training 10-12hrs minimum a week, so this is not cutting it,but I know the down time will be good for me.I am a chronic over trainer.