Easter Party

Before coming to France, I barely ever drank wine. Too much cheese made me feel sick. Eat too much bread and I would fall asleep for hours in a carb-coma. But after 5 days in Paris, my blood is now more Bordeaux than plasma, and I am starting to get bread and cheese love handles.

Yikes!

Truthfully I would say it has been worth it: picnics on the Seine watching the sakura bloom, in front of Sacre Cour (sp?) watching the city turn to lights, or late at night in the open palais of the Louvre, not to mention the countless brunches with friends or stops at delicious local cafes. All good for the soul but perhaps a bit troublesome for the long-term fitness. Sure I swam with Paris Aquatique on a number of days, but still.... a lot of wine is a lot of wine, swim or no swim.

Really though, is there any other way to see Paris?

Easter has been fascinating. My family doesn't have a strong tradition of celebrating the holiday. We might give a rabbit or egg shaped chocolate to each other and maybe squeeze in a family dinner for those who happen to be in Victoria at that moment, but that is it. In Catholic Paris it appears to be a much grander affair. At Sacre Cour hundreds of people crowded the incense filled cathedral singing and praying as the commemoration of the resurrection edged nearer. Outside even more people ate and drank to the entertainment provided by many buskers ranging from jugglers to fire spinners to singers and other artists. Lovers cuddled watching the lights flicker and change in the Paris below (Sacre Cour is on a hill).

Spring and Easter are obviously times of new life, birth and growth. Time to try new things or start new hobbies. It seems the most fitting time to be taking my first trip to Europe, not to mention my new job in Uganda. It's also a time I love and feel so alive during.

Happy Holidays, everyone.