This arrival in Paris resembled many of my previous entrées — beginning with social charades at CDG (baggage workers' strike), continuing with an oddly tranquil train ride, and culminating in my attacking many flights of stairs with my larger-than-I'd-like-to-admit bag. Ouf.

Luckily, a very livable little studio in my favorite neighborhood awaited — and I made it in time to clean up and enjoy a stroll along the Canal St.-Martin in the golden evening light.

Ah, it's good to be back!