Velib' !

Introducing Velib'.  It is a take one / leave one bicycle system with nearly 20,000 bikes at velib stations throughout Paris. Carter and I tried it out last Sun for fun and tooled around our area of Paris for about an hour.  There are at least three stations within a block or so of our apartment.

Today I purchased a velib' ticket to bike to work. It was exhilarating and terrifying, crossing multiple lanes of traffic encircling Paris Opera, with only a bell to notify anyone of my presence. Bikers ride in the bike/bus lane which is especially unnerving when a large bus is barreling down on you. I spent equal time rerouting myself around one way roads and laughing out loud at the sheer fun of it all.

I saw riders in suits and even in short skirts (not sure how that works).  I chose pants - thanks anyway.  A large front wire basket held my laptop bag.

My best guess turns landed me at a station 2 blocks from my office to check in the bike; a big click and green light and I'm on my way.  Another day on the joyride. Go Velib'!

A Room with A View

Work life is going well in Paris. Business bound Parisians (nevermind the early bread artisans) know well the art of a leisurely morning; a later rise, a cup of coffee at a cafe, then a check in / check out rental bike with their work sac or portfolio in the front basket, or perhaps a scooter, or walk, or metro ride to their destination. I second the routine, sans the cafe stop in the am. I will try the bike option later.

After a couple weeks of trying out the different office locations around me, routes, and walking options, I've settled on a couple favorites. The offices are nice, all with massive wooden doors to heave upon entry and exit, and well equipped for my tea, water refills, desk work, and phone calls for the day.  Stepping over the tall threshold and through these massive doors sometimes feels like an Alice in Wonderland moment.

If I need an after work pit stop at a 'bio'  health food store, I go to one work location, but if I need to pick up shampoo or supplies after work at Monoprix, I go to another work location that week. I'm finding many cool spaces and places along each route - now all I have to do is remember them!  Shops all close between 7:30-8pm each night.

In my room with a view I see others working, and I can open the courtyard windows if I like or not. Its a thrill of a ride to work among Parisians.  I quite like it.