Don’t be disillusioned by the beautiful architecture, the smell of freshly baked croissants drifting from the patisseries or the beautiful people milling around. Paris is bad for your health. Or at least it is in my case.
The last two trips I have taken to Paris have somehow resulted in bizarre, and yes, slightly painful situations. Do I attract these situations? Is it a coincidence? I will give you this much--I will admit that in both cases, I may have been partially to blame.
Case #1
I had been working at an exhibition at La Defense all week. I was tired, and it was 6:00pm, and of course, the French were striking again. The esplanade was full of busy rushing people frantically trying to reach the metro entrance first, in order to squeeze themselves onto the car like sardines.
Truth be told I may have glanced away from my path, I may have been looking at a market stall, selling the exact bag I had been searching for all week. The one with the multi-coloured sequences... Regardless, next thing you know *SMACK*. I have no idea what has just happened. I feel a sharp pain on the right side of my forehead. Tears are now streaming down my face. I’m swaying to catch my balance. I grab the pavement for some stability. Black dots invade my vision. I hear man above me apologizing in French. Asking if I am alright. I want to say yes, but “Non, pas vraiement”, comes out of my mouth.
As I realize what has just happened ---this man, in the suit, who I saw rushing, out of the corner of my eye just moments ago, has tripped and flown smack into my head. I’ve cushioned his blow---he still seems frantic, and although dazed I realize, that, based on his tone, I have somehow inconvenienced him. It appears my head was in the way. I have just made him more late for whatever pressing engagement he was rushing to. He asks me one more time if I am alright and at the first hint of a nod, he is off. Yep, off! Off and back to the races.
I am left wondering. Should I be thankful that he even stopped and asked if I was alright?
Case #2 to follow...
p.s Am off to Paris again tomorrow for a week. This time I will pay attention for flying French men!
Too many people are rushing around in a hurry these days and don't pay attention to what they are saying much less where they are going.
The fact that he actually stopped to see if you were ok is remarkable considering... but to think for one second that your pretty head was in the way of his hurried and blurred vision is absurd.
I would think the only French thing to do was to offer to take you for a drink or a nice bite to eat would have been in order...
You keep your head up and don't be afraid nor intimidated to butt heads with the French.. afterall it is their past time to challenge the obvious...
Butting heads with the French is fun and entertaining as well when you push the right buttons. :o)
Parisian French against the Canadian French? I know who I'd vote for....
saderip@hotmail.com
Crazy story!! I'm not sure people ever really look where they are going until they run into someone or something... Just last month I was ran over by a biker (ok, a cyclist on a BMX). Just stepped out of the building, leaving work, and some kid ran me over. I didn't realize I was down until I woke up, lying on Portage avenue, with some greasy punk hovering over me. Not sure how long I was out, but the memory of lying on portage (possibly the filthiest sidewalk ever) will stay with me forever.
Lesson learned. I'll check the sidewalk before strolling out of the building, and put more effort into my crusade for bike trails. Who rides on the sidewalk anymore anyway?
