Reflections of Paris

Dave Richards

Norfolk, VA

Reflections of Paris
Posted by Dave R. on May 19, 2009 12:55 PM

Quite a city

I'm in what is arguably one of the prettiest cities in the world. This is only the second time I've been here but I must say I'm more impressed this time than the last. While it may be because my jet lag is noticeably better, it really doesn't matter. This is truly a beautiful place. Following are a few, random thoughts (the title an inside joke to one of my sons) that occured to me as I strolled the various avenues. [Note: If you're looking for complete sentences or fully formed thoughts you might consider not reading much further] Here goes, in no order:

Lots, and I mean lots, of people wear black.
Almost nobody wears shorts. Hint: If you see a middle-aged (though sprightly) guy, in shorts, taking a walk, he's undoubtably an American. [In my case, at least no camera around the neck]
It seems that many, many more people smoke here.
While I didn't see as many folks exercising -- and I was hoofing it around 6 PM -- our French brethren look healthier and much thinner than their cross-Atlantic friends
You do the math: more smokers....less exercisers... it can only mean the French live statisticallly LONGER than we do
Which leads me to wine; even the inexpensive wine in hotels is good. Given that, and my new focus on health, bon appetit!
The layout of the city. If I remember my history correctly (poor assumption), the same guy that laid out Washington DC (L'Enfant?) had a hand in the design of Paris. Go figure. Roads criss-crossing everywhere. Thank god the drivers are more courteous than in, say, Italy.
The buildings are attractive, grand, and well maintained. Again, a bit like DC but clearly they preceded us, though we hate to admit it.
I forgot how big the Arc de Triomphe is; I could see it "just down" a piece, yet an hour later I'm sitll walking

4 comments

Comments

(4)

David,
we wishes you a good trip in Paris !

Dominique

Dominique L.

3 years ago

David,
I'm really pleased that you liked the city, David. please let me know when you're in. We'll manage a guided tour.
By the way, did you notice that some buildings were signed, in paris. Yes, the architect mentionned his name and a date. They signed because they were proud of their job. And these buildings brought both fantastic design and interesting technologies (gaz, water, electricity, toilets in every home, ...).
All of these are between 1880 and 1910. That was called La Belle Epoque. This is interesting because this period is very similar than the one we are entering into. Creative synthesis of technology blocs into valuable solution for people.
Following La Belle Epoque, the cycle continues with 30 years period :

Yves A.

2 years ago

(1 person found this comment useful.)

This comment looks important to me because it gives us the vision that we're entering now a new 30 years cycle which will be very human/people centric, very planet centric. This gives Concursive the promise of a long life.

All of this written in the roc of the buildings in Paris.

Thank you again for your visit here,
Yves

Yves A.

2 years ago

Yves, thanks for the insights and observations around La Bell Epoque. I'd never heard of it but find it interesting. [Will head to Wikipedia this evening with a glass of wine to learn more] And I agree with your observation about a new cycle. We're moving into a new "mash up", not only in the technology sense, but the mashing of human skills, assets and inputs into the technical infrastructure to hopefully solve big problems. I think this magic potion will drive tremendous value for society. And hopefully a few nuggets for those that help make it possible. :)

Looking forward to getting back to your city. BTW, I was mistaken in my original blog observation and it appears L'Enfant, the original architect of Washington DC, had no role in helping to lay out Paris. Having said that, it doesn't change the fact that you guys have some confusing intersecting streets and Avenues ;) -dr

Dave R.

2 years ago

Dave Richards

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