Susie Flax <susieflax@gmail.com>Sun, Jul 22, 2012 at 7:38 PM
Back in the last 1/2 hour from our amazing day.
The Tour de France was incredible. Thanks to Peter, we had unreal access. We got off the metro to mobs and lock down security, and hooked up with Peter who had VIP access passes for all to wear around their necks — the kids were in heaven.
Festivities aside, there was the race itself. I can not adequately describe the thrill of knowing the “pack” was coming through the tunnel at the Place de la Concorde (where we were stationed) for the last 8 laps of the race, beginning near the Eiffel Tower, then through the tunnel to where we were and looping around to the arc de Triomphe — truly unparalleled.
Peter was an unbelievable host and commentator, explaining the breakaway (the riders in the front — there to serve a purpose for their team members who were gunning to surge ahead at the end of the race). Visually, it was spectacular. Just gorgeous. Like art in motion. and I know this sounds hokey, but I actually cried when I first saw it and absorbed it all. The beauty of the sport, these riders in unison, in form, the wheels turning and propelling them forward in sync, the fact that my brother, who had always lived for this race, was standing on the front line in the position he earned on his own, with a beautiful family, sharing it all with us…. we all feel such gratitude to have been together and there – such a privilege all of it. I only hope the kids are absorbing some piece of it that they will take with them always. for sure they will always remember the whir of those riders. a sight I don’t think anyone could forget.
In between the pre and the end, there was an incredible lunch. and after, drinks at an outdoor cafe. from there we took the metro to the Eiffel Tower. Doug and I have seen it before but it could never be anything less than extraordinary. For Peter and the kids, it was the first time. We walked from across the green to get there, so we really got to see it as a larger part of the park where it lives, and then dusk fell and the lights went on. It was almost too much. Too late to climb today; we will return tomorrow to do that. But you really do feel like you are in the presence of greatness when you see that structure. A work of art. Walked across the Seine to Trocadero for another view, and enjoyed a fabulous dinner on the other side. We boarded the metro to head home close to midnight.
Prior to all this hoopla, the day began simply. We slept in and went out in the am to knock off some laundry, exploring the neighborhood as the clothes spun. The main shopping street in our neighborhood was closed to traffic and all the stores open — people buying chickens from one vendor, meat from the butcher, cheese from the fromagerie, and so on. Couples relaxing and singles sat savoring a cafe with their newspaper. Lots of babies and toddlers, learning to walk and jump filled the sidewalks. I was struck by how much the same we all are despite how many miles from home we are. Only a few days in but what a trip it’s been thus far. sending much love, xo all of us
