Paris
September 30, 2012
We saw a Paris demonstration close-up today. We saw the first signs of it as we walked along the banks of the Seine to Gare de Lyon, where roads were being closed and traffic diverted. Later, as we were walking home along the other bank, after booking some rail tickets, we heard chanting and saw crowds crossing one of the bridges. Too far away to make out what it was about.
Finally, just as we were on the last stretch back home, after walking through the quad at the Louvre (yes, finally found it), we ran smack bang into the demonstrators. It was, in fact, a solidarity march for aids sufferers, particularly children with aids.
It was crowded, it was noisy, and people were having fun. Bands played on huge trailers pulled by trucks that crawled along, stopping at intersections for a set or two. There was one with a DJ who had a big following, with people dancing and chanting along with him. Lots of armed gendarmes about, though. It was easy to see that, good-natured though this crowd was, it wouldn’t take much for some small thing to act as a flashpoint. We enjoyed the spectacle but were pleased to get back to the quiet of the apartment.
We’re starting to get our bearings. We walked over the lock at Canal St Martin just before a boat went through. Sorry, let’s get that correct. Not a ‘boat’ but, as Mister Ed says, a steel Dutch praam-bowed 35-foot inland waterway launch with dual steering positions. We both love the Seine and the life on and alongside the river, particularly the commercial river traffic. It’s much quieter and more pleasant once you get away from the prime tourist spots. The Notre Dame has become our landmark this trip, along with the tower of Square de la Tour St Jacques where we had lunch yesterday. So far, we’ve only sighted the Eiffel Tower from a distance. We did set out to walk there after the Gare de Lyon today, but decided it was a step or three too far.
On the way home, we walked through the sculpture garden I remember from our last visit four years ago. I was much more impressed with it then. Today it was looking dry and dusty and a bit neglected, with tagging on many of the sculptures. Such a shame.
We enjoyed the roller-bladers, roller-skaters, skate-boarders and family groups of cyclists. And we enjoyed the display put on by a bubble man who blew huge bubbles much to the delight of the many children gathered around.
Another warm and sunny day, and we’re getting accustomed to the hustle and bustle of Paris. Those klaxons still pierce the air, though, in a way no New Zealand sirens do.
France 2012 