dimanche 25 mai 2008
Yes, it's true, the world is in Paris.
Since the beginning of May, I hear more people speaking English than French in the streets and restaurants. A reminder that I'm still in Paris? The banner of a boulangerie as a sponsor in a dance club.
Since I have but ten days left in Paris, I decided to take a stroll along the Seine toward the east side of the city which I haven't explored much.
Walking on the South Bank, I came across four separate areas (semi-circles) along the river, one after another, where random pedestrians stopped to enjoy some music and dance. At the first semi-circle, there was a small group of musicians in traditional French costume playing folk music. As I walked further, the music changed to Salsa, then hip hop. This international festival of spontaneous Sunday afternoon merry-making concluded with the waltz at the fourth semi-circle.
In case you're wondering, I didn't join them.
A bit further along the river, there as a small group of picnickers enjoying the sun. They called out to me and invited me to join them for some wine and pastries. Having all the time in the world, I gladly obliged. I spent about half an hour chatting with them and discovered that they were from France, New York, the Philippines, Hong Kong, and Russia.
I can't think of anything more appropriate to conclude my journey in Paris.
