Jouer le tennis...(12/7)

Finally I reserved a tennis court for the evening and picked up my racket again for the first time in Paris after my last game in January. Not many public tennis courts are available in Paris centre, and perhaps this is an indication about the scarcity of land in central Paris. It's too luxurious to have a tennis court in the centre. The closest public tennis court to my home is at the Jardin du Luxembourg, but as expected, booking a court in prime location like this is nearly impossible. The authority adopts a reservation system via Internet, and so simply the first reserver plays first. The court I got this time is at the Porte de Pantin in the 19eme arrondisement not far away from the Cite de Science, the far northeast of Paris area. Urban planning of Paris defines quite a clear border for Paris, and this boundary is usually marked by the peripherial network of roads and highway. Paris is actually surrounded by circulation and traffic. Intentionally assigned, sporting facilities can often be found in this kind of marginal area within Paris. Not coinciding with the fantasy of foreigners, public tennis courts here are yet upgraded to red clay surface, what a pity. Perhaps the experience can only be fulfilled at the Roland-Garros. 9pm is actually a good timing for tennis game in summer here, and we could have enjoyed the nice sunset and light wind during the game. A relaxing evening after work for some exercises, and after all, the rental fee is quite cheap. It costs only 6,5 EURO for an hour. Seeing all the courts to be occupied by the sports lovers, I understand why Paris would have the slogan of "Paris aimera toujours le sports". However, confirmed by the Mayor of Paris, the city would not compete for hosting the Game in 2016.