12 March 2010

The Act of Flanerie

Have you ever reflected on everything contained in the term flanerie, this most enchanting word which is revered by poets?

Going on infinite investigations through the streets and promenades; drifting along, with your nose in the wind, with both hands in your pockets, and with an umbrella under your arm, as befits any open-minded spirit; walking along, with serendipity, without pondering where to and without any hurry...

Stopping in front of stores to regard their images, at street corners to read their signs, by the bouquinistes' stands to touch their old books...

Giving yourself over, captivated and enraptured, with all your senses and all your mind, to the spectacle.

Victor Fournel, Ce qu'on voit dans les rues de Paris.
From The Art of Taking a Walk, by Anke Gleber.

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