Three good things

I am fortunate to be living for the month of September in one of the most charming neighborhoods in Paris, on a quaint pedestrian passageway that is flanked on both ends by lively, café-filled streets. My apartment is located in the 5th arrondissement, known as the Latin Quarter, which is regarded as the city's intellectual center, having been home historically to many famous literary and philosophical minds - and today to its large student population. While I admit I've had less time to explore than I would like (I spend my days in front a computer in the office), I have discovered three wonderful things about my quartier:

1) The market in Place Monge. Several times a week, vendors of produce, poultry, flowers, fish, cheese and charcuterie flock to the square that is just minutes away from my apartment. This past Sunday, feeling a bit too amateur for the fish or meat stalls, I opted instead for fresh fruits and vegetables and some eggs (see above photo.)

2) Morning runs in the Jardin des Plantes. Imagine this: in less time than it took me to walk from 303 to Pottruck, I can make my way over to the beautiful and expansive botanical gardens that are a focal point of my neighborhood . Needless to say, I have found my morning running spot.

3) Warm evenings in the Place de Contrescarpe. This lovely square at the head of the rue Mouffetard has got to be one of the most pleasant places in the city for a late summer evening drink. Cafés with outdoor tables line the square on all sides - lively, intimate and so French it's almost a cliché.