Friday, May 22, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
First 5K of the Summer
Irene and I ran our first 5K last night, and it was a hot one. Regardless, we ran the "Merrimack County Savings Bank Rock 'N' Race" together and finished in 21 minutes 52 seconds, with an average pace of 7 minutes and 3 seconds a mile.
And, best of all, that was good enough for Irene to finish third in her age group! She even got a prize! Unfortunately, to do the same thing I would have had to run almost 2 minutes faster ... which isn't happening.
But a good time was had by all.
And, best of all, that was good enough for Irene to finish third in her age group! She even got a prize! Unfortunately, to do the same thing I would have had to run almost 2 minutes faster ... which isn't happening.
But a good time was had by all.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Traveling Abroad
So, where to start. Talloires, the town where the LL.M. Capstone conference took place, is a very, very sleepy place. I'm sure it must pick up in the summer months, but while we were there it was *slow.* The whole town is only 1500 souls. It has a very quaint feel. Tufts lucked into some property there through an alumni bequest.
After Talloires, everyone split up. Some people headed back to the States, some people to Belgium job hunting, and a few of us went to Paris. TGV, the French train service, is the model of efficiency but is a bit expensive. I managed to book a ticket online, as well as a hostel near the Bastille in Paris. The hostel was actually a bit away from the action ... but had the benefit of being close to the train station (Gare de Lyon).
From my hostel, my first trip was down the Seine. Apparently it's quite the place to hang out because it was crammed with people. I walked past Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower, which wasn't a bad way to start the day. The next morning I took the (very easy and efficient) subway system to the Arc de Triomphe and then the Louvre. And those were pretty much the big sights. The rest of the time I walked around and tried to get a feel for the city as it exists separate from tourists, which is no easy task.
Not speaking French was a bit of a hindrance, but most Parisians speak enough English to make transactions possible. If all else fails, there's always pointing.
Following Paris I took the train to Geneva and spent about a day there. Geneva, compared to Paris, is very, very small, but also has a more international feel. Hearing English on the street was common. It's also a very rich city--I don't think I've ever seen such a high ratio of suits and expensive cars.
More thoughts forthcoming.
After Talloires, everyone split up. Some people headed back to the States, some people to Belgium job hunting, and a few of us went to Paris. TGV, the French train service, is the model of efficiency but is a bit expensive. I managed to book a ticket online, as well as a hostel near the Bastille in Paris. The hostel was actually a bit away from the action ... but had the benefit of being close to the train station (Gare de Lyon).
From my hostel, my first trip was down the Seine. Apparently it's quite the place to hang out because it was crammed with people. I walked past Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower, which wasn't a bad way to start the day. The next morning I took the (very easy and efficient) subway system to the Arc de Triomphe and then the Louvre. And those were pretty much the big sights. The rest of the time I walked around and tried to get a feel for the city as it exists separate from tourists, which is no easy task.
Not speaking French was a bit of a hindrance, but most Parisians speak enough English to make transactions possible. If all else fails, there's always pointing.
Following Paris I took the train to Geneva and spent about a day there. Geneva, compared to Paris, is very, very small, but also has a more international feel. Hearing English on the street was common. It's also a very rich city--I don't think I've ever seen such a high ratio of suits and expensive cars.
More thoughts forthcoming.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Here you go...
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