I Love a Parade

Like the time we managed to be in two St. Patrick's Day parades in Ireland, Nicole and I observed two political rallies today, one on each side.  First, Marine Le Pen was giving a speech close to the Opera so just a block away this morning, we saw a parade of her supporters marching to the Opera. It was very orderly (see above).  Because it's May Day and many places were closed, we figured a lot of people would be at the parks, just like our Labor Day. So we took a walk in the Tuileries to see what French families were doing and it was packed. Still, you could find a table at an outdoor cafe, but the ice cream line was out of control.

We had decided earlier not to try the Luxembourg Gardens since we didn't want to ride the crowded Metro and figured it would be more packed than other gardens...so why did we end up taking the Metro to Bastille? Well, I blame Johnny but then, I blame him for everything. He had recommended Bofinger for a meal and we knew it was open, so we decided to go and walk around the area before having an early dinner. There was a huge--blocks and blocks--contemporary art fair/sale that we walked around for awhile and then went shopping. There were actually a few boutique stores open so Nicole could buy her 3rd pair of shoes in the last two days. Shoes are tres trendy here in France.

The Gauche were having a parade to Place de La Bastille which we noticed before dinner. The streets were full of people and all the cafes were packed.  We had a lovely dinner at Bofinger's, but when we got out, the atmosphere seemed a little tense.  When we saw the gendarme putting on riot gear, we decided we should get out.  The Metro was more crowded than I had ever seen, so once we were within walking distance, we got off.   I don't think there was any trouble at the rally, but then I can't read the French news.

Last night, we went to another Johnny recommendation, Au Pied de Cochon. We had to wait for a table, even though the place is huge. The waiter wouldn't let me order the Pig's Foot Special (the Trotter). He said I wouldn't like it because it was mostly fat and decided I should have stuffed pork. I'm sure I was there back in 1970 for French Onion Soup--it's been open since 1947.  It's open 24/7 but when we left after 11:30, I was shocked that people were waiting to be seated for midnight dinner.

The best surprise of the day (besides the fact I actually made the washing machine wash AND dry clothes) was that it didn't rain. Not once. Not a sprinkle.  It wasn't the first day I didn't take my umbrella but it was the only day I didn't need it.