This morning I felt like taking a little walk. I headed north, toward the river, and made my way to the Belvedere. I stood at the railing and stared at the water for a long time, thinking very happy (but unbloggable) thoughts. I watched traffic traverse the Second Street Bridge just a few blocks east of me. To the west, I could see the McAlpine Locks and Dam and the Falls of the Ohio State Park. I closed my eyes and felt the unexpectedly strong breeze on my face and hair.
When I decided that I had gotten enough staring-into-space time, I headed south, and then west. It seemed like a good idea to visit Louis XVI at the corner of Sixth and Jefferson. I examined him from all angles and thought about him, and his curious penchant for blacksmithing, and his inability to consummate his marriage until seven years later. It occurred to me that his legacy is not unlike that of another monarch who met a similarly tragic end, Nicholas II. Both were good men, but weak, indecisive, and not terribly bright, and utterly unsuited to ruling a country, let alone a country ravaged by revolt.
After Louis XVI politely acquiesced to a thorough photo session, I concluded my historical musings and walked back home.
