MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2008

This afternoon after a late breakfast, we went for a walk in area that we have never done before. We took the bus to the place de la Bastille where we had our usual afternoon libation. We were in a small cafe just off of the place. Alexandria pronounced the hot chocolate as good.

We took a walk down the Boulevard Bourdon which runs along the canal St Martin where the Port de Plaisance de Paris-Arsenal is. We went several blocks where we were able to see many boats that seemed to be used as homes. It was interesting too see the large variety of boats.

There are some boats that are used as permanent residences. There are also some that can rented just the way we have rented an apartment. Notice the woman relaxing on her deck. Sorry about the photo. Couldn't rotate it.

We also passed by the police headquarters of the 14th arrondissement. It seems they had a devise that they were using to demonstrate what happens when a car is in an accident. They put two police persons in seats, one behind the other and sent the seats along a track that ran into an obstacle. The people felt how it was to be in an accident, and also how good it was to use a seat belt. There were about 25 officers there, all trying the devise. We thought that it was used for police training and was used at the headquarters of each of the 20 arrondissement police stations.

We crossed over the canal and saw the park on the other side along the boulevard de la Bastille. It was a lovely place to take a walk and relax. We will try it one day soon. There were more boats and also this is the location where the barge that takes rides through the canal up to the northern section of Paris. More about that later.

Here are two interesting items we saw as we walked. The first is a sign that one finds around Paris streets. It says "I love my neighborhood. I pick up" (after my dog). Paris is trying and succeeding in getting people to pick up after their dogs.

Secondly, we saw an unusual car parked on the street. It is an electric car. Wouldn't you like one?

On the way back to the apartment, we stopped at a traiteur that specializes in Asian food. We got some takeout for dinner. A traiteur is a person who prepares food for takeout. There are many different kinds of stores that do this. There are some very famous ones that prepare excellent, and very expensive, dishes. Many French people do food from a traiteur from time to time.