I spent last week in Paris, tagging along with my husband’s work (again!) Among the highlights: running along the streets, up to the Arc de Triomphe (pictured) and back to my hotel. The streets were crowded, but the sidewalks are a lot wider along the Champs-Elysees vs. in Manhattan where I had run a week prior trying to get to Central Park. I almost never had to slow down or stop. I also did a run in the Jardin des Tuileries, which was great for people watching. I elected to skip a few events (I am not the world’s best corporate wife) and hit the Louvre instead. We had gone there in April so this time I checked out a few sections that are a bit more hidden, such as the Islamic art 
department, and the collection of time-keeping pieces — such as these lovely hourglasses. I elected to get the audio guide this time, which I always have mixed feelings about (they can be a lot of bother) but the guide pointed out that a tiny little medallion — that I totally would have walked by — was one of the first examples of a self-portrait in western art. Who knew? Now I do.
We had a lot of great wine, and even danced until 1 a.m. one night. I ate bread and butter with abandon. Carbs are different in France. Now it is back to real life with the 5:30 a.m. wake-ups, and the usual circus, which included hosting a birthday party the day after I returned, but so it goes. Everyone had the situation under control here, which is what makes such trips possible.