Safe in Bastille

WAY BACK WHEN: Flashbacks before it was called BLOG

I am staying in the area called Marais in Paris near the Place du Bastille, the site of the old prison that was torn down in the famous revolt.

          It is a very nice middle class area and one of the most historical parts of the city.  I am walking distance to several museums, including the freebies- Musee d' Victor Hugo and Musee Carnavalet (which is about Paris' history.)  A stone throw away is the beautiful garden Place de Vosges.

          Several cafes, bistros, patisseries and what-nots line the avenues and streets.  Other amenities includes supermache, paper stands, travel agents and this internet shop.  I like going back at the end of each day and see the real Parisian life after hours of sightseeing and being surrounded by tourists.

          Evidently, this is also the 'gay' district as can be observed through my hotel's occupants.  The women look like they just got off a Harley Davidson bike (even at the breakfast table) and the men have color-coordinated clothes with perfume that I can smell from my room.  Both camps are clearly not interested in me.  So there you go, safe in Bastille.

          The only hints of danger perhaps is the motorcycle repair shop next door and at least three tatoo parlors I pass on the way to the hotel.  But I guess they quickly figure out I am not a a customer.