Dinner on the Champs-Élysées

Nicole and I went up to the Champs-Élysées for a walk and dinner. We started at the Arc de Triomphe.

We met my girlfriend in front of the monument. Have I sent you a picture of her yet? If not, here she is. I am not sure of her name, but that trivial detail will be ironed out once we talk some more ... Actually, I guess it was not meant to be. After I crossed the street, she decided to move on with another man. He seemed nice enough and she was too young for me. Such is life.

Dinner was French food. The atmosphere was great. We sat outside and watched as people moved about the street. Several young children serenaded us from a car. Very cute. I applauded.

I am amazed by the number of Muslim women on this street wearing the niqāb. After my week of travel around the city this is the first place I have encountered them. I honestly do not know how to classify them. Are they Muslim fundamentalist, conservative, or something I do not know. When the first woman walked by me, I suddenly started thinking about Scooby Doo. I braced myself for her to suddenly pivot, throw her hands toward me, wiggle her fingers, and scream "boggied boggied boo". (Note to self - learn how to spell this phrase) I started giggling and for the reminder of the night when one passed, I had to be careful to not laugh. In all seriousness, their dress made me uncomfortable. Not, I am going to be blown up uncomfortable; it just felt wrong, alien, de-humanizing. It creates an artificial barrier of isolation between people. It serves its purpose well. I wondered if a woman wearing this tripped and hurt herself, should I reach out and pick her up, try and talk to her? I am not sure. Would reaching out to her cause her more discomfort, cause conflict between her and her family? This outfit screams leave me alone; don't touch me. At least, that is my initial impression. I will say that it is very different seeing these women on film versus walking feet from them.

It was a great day. A long walk during a beautiful day. I learned new things about French history. I felt the energy of the Champs-Élysées and its people. I was able to observe a new culture (I wish I could have talked with some of the women and men). Finally , I got my first up close look at the Eiffel Tower at night.


For my friends in my life and those who have left, I wish that wherever you are, your day was as wonderful as mine. Goodnight.