Plaza du la Republique 29/11/2015 memorializing those killed in recent attacks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On the Road in Paris for COP 21, 30/11 - 11/12 2015

Today I set out mid-morning by bicycle to join a human chain forming on Rue Voltaire just south the Plaza Republique.  On the way I past the Farmers Market set up on Rue Onano near where I'm staying.  Thought I would buy something later.  That was a mistake.  It was all gone by the time I returned but did manage to find some perfectly good discards of tangerines as some consolation.  

At the plaza lots of folks gathered especially around the monument and statue of Marianne, personification of the French Revolution.  Flowers, candles and messages were left around the base as heartfelt memorials to those killed in the recent terrorist attacks.   There was a huge police presence blocking traffic into and out of the plaza except for bicycles although I did get stopped in a couple of places but got off and walked the sidewalk.  Several folks noticed my colorful blue and yellow Peace Rider jacket result in severalp interviews with reporters.  I also unfurled my Love as the Way banner for photos.

From there I headed south on Rue Voltaire to find the human chain.  At one point a young woman grabbed my hand and we briefly had a mini chain of maybe eight folks.  Think it had already happened by this time.  Then near the cafe where people were killed  I was surprise to meet Paul Thompson and Mindy - their group Cool Planet broadcasting as .

I along with three other young people rode bicycles across country to Washington, DC to lobby for doing something about Climate Change.  Paul was the support driver, me an ageless man joining 20 year olds.  Mindy I hadn't met until today was the back home support then.

So this meeting allowed another impromptu interview and banner showing for Citizen's Voice.  It also
affirmed what I already knew that there are no coincidences even though we use the word serendipity to describe these encounter.  We meet in this life time the people we need to meet or meet again to accomplish our life purpose in the grand scheme of things.

Away from the plaza and police the streets were pretty quiet for a Sunday.  I took another grand tour down Rue Turbido past the Nelson Mandela monument and garden then Rue Louve to the open area by the museum.  Much easier to access on a bike where one couldn't take a car.  Occasional police sirens escorting black Mercedes limos taking dignitaries to hotels I presume. 

From the Louve I made it to the Champs Eleysee lined with vendor stalls hawking all kind of food and souvenirs ending up rather slowly at the Arc du Triumphe.  I was in no hurry.  A lot more folks in this area walking the streets but when I left there to head back the streets were quieter.   This day and maybe tomorrow the subways are free for the beginning of COP 21.  For me better to keep my head above ground to enjoy the fresh air and street scenes.  

Tired on return climbing 70 some stairs to Clair's 5th floor apartment.  But a lovely, fruitful day in all even if the sun didn't show through the overcast but then neither did the rain - a welcome change.

P' Alante (onward)

In Peace and Love,

Peace Rider