New route for the Running Moms

Kathleen, Cathy, Darcy and Jane, bored with their running routes in Ottawa, join me in Paris for a run around the Champs de Mars

Four days, three nights, five running moms, a whirl wind weekend visit from my Ottawa urban tribe was just enough time to catch up, walk the city, overdo it on cheese and of course go for a run.

The running moms are group of women who met through a Mom-and-baby running group when P was a baby. The dads were left behind with twelve children, as their wives made the most of a long weekend in Europe.

They had all been to Paris before, but each acquired something new, a souvenir that they will bring back to Canada. Cathy, a vision of bringing the Velib and the Jardin de Luxembourg to the citizens of Ottawa. Darcy, the knowledge of what to do if an emergency arises while she is in the washroom (gardez votre calme). Kathleen, how to avoid irritating the French with her new sensitivity towards cutting cheese and Jane, magical dreams of the sparkling Eiffel Tower.

It was great to have you all here and I look forward to resuming our old routes when we return home.

The Ring Guy

A few weeks ago, we were out for dinner with some friends from Canada and in the middle of dinner, my friend (who will remain nameless), said to me “I am something to show you “ and she starts reaching into her purse. “You have a ring” I said. “Yes” she exclaims in disbelief “how did you know?”. The ring guy.

A visit to Paris is not complete without being hit by the ring guy. Here's the schtick. You are walking down the street minding your own business, all of a sudden a man bends down and picks a gold ring right in front of you. Holding it up, he asks you if it is yours. “Take it,” he motions, “my religion forbids me to wear jewelry”, or something like that. If the target takes the ring, the ring guy will ask for money for lunch and as far as I know that's the extent of the scam.

I have been hit at least twenty times by one of the ring guys and witnessed at least another twenty attempts. My friend was the first person that I know that actually took the ring. Rupert has always wanted someone to take the ring and takes great pleasure that he finally knows someone who did. Good work Sara (oops).

Please take it, it yours. I think its real gold... look at the mark.