The third day in Paris and I'm finally starting to enjoy it. The old nerves relax, and I can appreciate the sunlight on the boulevards, the history, the heaviness in my legs and the silence of my voice. Anne-Vir is a delight and the stop at her school, the Ecole des Beaux Arts with a quiet, beautifully frescoed courtard is a highlight of my stay here. The architecture of the city is impressive, at once more traditional and more modern than generally the case in the US. The ornateness that makes for the romantic Paris feel is unfortunately not my cup of tea... But I.M.Pei's famous glass pyramid in the Louvre lives up to its reputation and this contrast that enhances both has become an example for modern, techtonic architecture everywhere. La Defense, the cluster of modern hi-rises has a fantastic futuristic look and is cleverly positioned to complete the historic axle through the city center.

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