The fountains
across from Lobby 3 spring up in a glistening surge, as if the winter pause had
stored all their excess energy for this moment. The bike path is jammed with
cycles, roller-bladers and people obsessed with home-made contraptions of a
'man-in-motion' type. The terraces and lawns are baroque with foliage and
competing flower arrangements. Assorted official holidays bring the flutter of a
few flags, and large scale public events flourish: the Gourmet Food Fair, the
Tour de l'Isle, The Grand Prix. Jasmin smells strong in the parking lot. Birds
have taken over the bower by the Habitat tennis courts and bomb, kamikaze style,
every departing player. A furious staccato of tennis balls punctuates the
evenings.