Dequeued

I'm in Paris. The weather could be a bit better. It's drizzling and mid 60s. The culture is alive and well and seemingly oblivious to any threat of terrorism. I have seen no additional police and getting through customs at the airport could not have been easier. I believe the voters have just said no to the European Union constitution, apparently as a vote of no confidence for Chirac and the current economy (especially the high unemployment numbers). Ironically, the reasoning goes that the constitution was a bit too free market oriented and didn't offer enough worker protection. Ah well, Europe will be Europe. What a beautiful place to visit! We climbed the Eiffel Tower today with my daughter. She is enchanted by the home of little Madeline :) We were helped by a woman on the subway to find our correct connecting train, and I was informed that I was in the wrong line at the grocer which was reserved for the elderly (some of my annoying friends might add, "what was the problem", ha ha, you see I am still well preserved).

So things are right with the world. Contrary to legend, the French people have been quite friendly. They even care for their elderly more dearly than we by allocating special lines at the market. They are still very socialist which would seem to prevent them from playing a more powerful role (except as spoiler) on the global political map, and tomorrow promises to be a beautiful day where I hope to enjoy a grand tennis match between Henin-Hardine and Sharapovo. Viva La Difference!