8. Tuileries

I look across the street from my hotel room terrace to the picturesque Tuileries Gardens.  I try to walk through them each day on my way to or from my hotel.  They provide a little bit of Zen to balance out the very busy schedule I’m keeping here.  Back at home, the summer flowers are long gone, so I’m fortunate to be here in early autumn while the flowers are still in bloom.  This is a first for me, as my other visits to Paris have been either on the cusp of them blooming, or after, when the autumn leaves are about to fall.  The gardens were originally designed for the Tuileries Palace in 1564, and they opened to the public after the French Revolution.  I try to imagine the history, events and people that have strolled through this place for hundreds of years.  This lovely sanctuary has witnessed more than I can imagine.  I’m thankful that the gardens are still here and that the flowers are creating a beautiful oasis in the middle of this bustling city…