While on one hand I still haven't worked up the courage to go and get a haircut here for fear of not being able to express myself properly and ending up with a Barry special, on the other, I feel my ability to discuss a strike using accurate French vocabularly is progressing by leaps and bounds, if I do say so myself! Everything I had read about the history and culture of protesting and striking in this country certainly seems to have been of no exaggeration, as we are currently experiencing firsthand. In comparison with scenes we are watching on the television from other French cities, tensions remain mild here in Avignon. However, there definitely is a sense of uncertainty in the air as to when and if the protests will escalate.
Grace is developing at an early age, as perhaps all French children do, an interest in the how and why of strikes. I overheard her tell a little Canadian friend on the phone that school here is great because the teachers love to strike. She has witnessed great masses walking and chanting in the streets. She is especially fascinated with the striking youths (which in Avignon are the older Lycée students aged 15 to 18, and not yet the university students). Early this morning she went running to the window as a group noisily marched down our street with their stash of green garbage cans that they use in their blockades.
The gas shortages due to blockades at the petrol refineries and depots have been causing headaches for drivers. My professer told us this morning that "il a pris ses précautions"; he had filled his tank and several gas cans earlier this week. As we walk, scooter, or bus everywhere in town, this hasn't been a concern for us.
But, the train schedules, now this is an immediate concern to us. Again more interest and disbelief from Grace that a strike doesn't only mean days off of school and teenagers playing with green bins, but something that could affect, and even cancel, our school holiday plans! We have train tickets to Switzerland for tomorrow evening, and Barry just read that the same train this evening is cancelled according to a strike schedule. Not sure what this means for tomorrow's schedule, but we may very well have to be flexible with our holiday plans, as I am sure will many French families. We will see what tomorrow and the next few days hold in store.
Another new french phrase for me: "à suivre" or as we say in English: "to be continued".....
So you folks are seeing first hand some of the strike disruption we’ve been hearing about on the news. I sure hope all this doesn’t disrupt your travel plans. It doesn’t sound like a great week to be a tourist in Paris, that’s for sure. But, as they say, every cloud has its silver lining. You’re learning some good French vocabulary and Gracie’s getting some insight into French “culture”. That would have made a good picture – the crowd of young protesters banging their green garbage cans as they marched by under your window. I wonder what other strange sights those mediaeval walls outside your bedroom on Rue du Rempart have looked down on over the centuries.
ReplyDeleteHow I’d like to be worried about the way to tell a hair stylist what kind of cut I’d like! Here’s a suggestion, Ginger. Five words are all you need. Just cut out an attractive photo of a style you like from a fashion magazine, take it in to your local coiffeur and say, “Comme ça, s”il vous plaît.”
Please keep the blogs coming. We love them. Even short ones are great.
Love,
Dad
It sounds like an interesting experience for sure. I hope that you make it to Switzerland ok. Thinking of you, Wend
ReplyDelete