I went to the Jardin du Luxembourg today. This week's assignment for photography class is "the decisive moment." I wanted to get some pictures of the chess players. Really what happened is that I took about three pictures before I got roped into playing myself! How did that happen, you may ask? Two guys, about 30, were playing, and one of them started talking to me (in French):
Guy: Oh, do you like chess? You can play the next game.
Me: Uh, no, thanks.
Guy: Blabla So, are you German?
Me: Uh, no.
Then a different guy came up to me. He was old and crazy and French.
OCF: Come play!
Me: That's okay. I don't know how.
OCF: I'll teach you.
Me: I don't know much French.
OCF: That's okay. Come play.
Me: Uh, okay.
So that's how I ended up learning how to play chess in Paris! We played three games in an hour and a half. I was totally starting from square one. He told me what each piece was and where each goes. He set up the board bit by bit then cleared the pieces and had me set them up. He told me how much each piece is worth and which moves start each game. At the end of every game we played, he said, "Okay, that was good. Now let's try again." He also told me that I learn fast and make quick progress. Flattering, eh?
At the end of our three games, he asked me what I study at college. I said music. He started off about how chess is so great for musicians and music is so great for chess players. So now I have a new hobby!
As I was leaving, Guy (see first conversation) asked me how the game went, etc., blablabla. Then he asked for my phone number. So we could play chess together. I said, "Uh, no..." then left.
And that's just a part of my fabulous day! Throw in a chocolate meringue, a ham and cheese crepe, a tour of the Opera Garnier (which I loved!), and 500 Days of Summer at a movie theater. Good times, great oldies!