Before leaving Iceland, my mom gave me a calendar with inspirational quotes. As much as quotes are just words they can leave you thinking or reconsidering what you’re worried about for the day. So, I try to refresh the calendar every day.

Today’s quote was

It Isn’t the Mountain Ahead That Wears You Out; It Is the Pebble in Your Shoe

— Muhammad Ali (the boxer)

Apparently Muhammad Ali wasn’t Muhammad Ali wasn’t the first to say this (surprise, surprise, a quote gone wrong?). No one seems to know the origins, but seemingly the first written quote in English is since 1916 (according to QI) and then it was anonymous. Many men and women through history have probably thought something similar - probably because it’s one of the most annoying things, to have a pebble stuck in your shoe, no matter where you’re walking to. Originally the quote was regarding a grain of sand which I’ve got to say is a lot less annoying than a pebble, but surely could do some damage if it’s there long enough.

So, these were my random thoughts of the day. You’re welcome..

Yesterday I had my first proper walk around my neighborhood. My first full day off as well. I randomly checked some stores and cafés, just to get the feel of it. I also went to the bookstore and bought an agenda and some watercolors. Because I live in Paris, gotta become an artist…

My area is really interesting. It’s funny to compare the contrast between the streets around my apartment (see map) and going a little further away. Most of the stores around me are African or Caribbean, with produce from far away and stalls on the streets selling fruits and vegetables I don’t know the name of. Which I love. The atmosphere is constantly lively. If I cross one boulevard to the west, Boulevard Barbès, I’m at the foot of Montmartre with Sacré-Cœur standing tall above the city. Hipsters and bohemians, cafés and colorful stores. Oh and some tourists that have gone off the beaten track, down from the nice, big hill.

My expedition wasn’t long yesterday, I was feeling a bit under the weather, so I soon went home to rest because I had a dinner invitation with a colleague in the evening.

Tonight I’m going to an improv class, it’s important to laugh and doing it with strangers is a completely different experience. I was a bit sour and tired last week, having just arrived, so hopefully tonight I can be a bit more into it (despite the traces of being a bit hungover..)

Here are some photos from my walk yesterday.