Feux d'Artifice

End of the fireworks for La Fête Nationale 2011.

Happy 14th of July - that's right . . . 14th

Pompier Ball.

Cyn and I went to one of the Pompier balls. We were told that they had an open (free) bar, so I gave 10 euros to get in. It's free to get in but they as for donations. I thought 10 was cheap for free drinks, but they didn't have free drinks. Instead is was 5 euros for a small glass of champagne or 3 euros for a Heineken--ouch! I think some have open bars, but this one was in a more upscale neighborhood and they had a huge stage with great sound and lights (expensive--tres cher). The Dj was great and he filled in between bands. I enjoyed getting to hear an actual DJ that truly mixes beats and music.

A le moulin rouge.
Not smoking--just for pic.

After 3 glasses of champagne, we left and went by the Moulin Rouge just to see it.  We took a few pics, bought a big Kronenbourg and headed towards the Sacré-Cœur . Cyn wanted to find the Chat Nior first, which we did. Then we found the tram up to the Sacré-Cœur . I'd been telling Cyn about it and wanted her to see it. Thankfully we had our Navigo passes and could ride the tram up top for free. This night was no different than the last night I was there--lots of people drinking wine and Heineken. There are even people who walk around selling Heinekens. I thinks its great, but both Cyn and I thought it was interesting that such partying was allowed at the doors of such a religious place. We drank the Kronebourg and experienced the view then made our way back home, I think we got in about 1a.m.

Cyn and I at Sacre Coeur

I woke up in the morning and went to the big military parade on the Avenue des Champs-Élysées , Cyn didn't feel well and didn't go. Seeing the Arch de Triumph sans the insane raceway of les voitures around it was interesting.  I felt like I was witnessing the Germans taking over Paris in WWII.   The Arch was surrounded by military vehicles in formations that encircled it as if they were trying to subdue / capture it.

Arch De Triump Surrounded

What I saw of the parade was nice.  I didn’t want to fight the crowds so I stayed out on the edge, but was still able to see well. 
At night Cyn and I went down to the Seine to watch the fireworks by the Tour Eiffel.  We went on the Metro bridge, but I thought it would be better to go back down by our apartment.  The bridge was packed and getting worse every second.  Down by our place we had pretty much the same view, but less people.  What I didn’t think of was that the fireworks are really meant to be seen from the  Champ de Mars (park in front of the Tour Eiffel).  So, we didn't have the best view, but the grand fanale was amazing--have video and will post soon. 

Grand Finale

Tour Eiffel After
feux d'artifice (fireworks)

La Fête Nationale - Pompiers Ball

Woke up early aujourd’hui.  Need to study and wanted to get my blog up to speed.  After stressing about trying to catch up, I decided I just need to start posting recent things and slowly post the past stuff.  So, I will post tidbits of past stuff while keeping up on present.  
 

Anyway, today is the day before La Fête de la Bastille or La Fête Nationale.  Fête means “party” en la langue française and from what I’ve seen from the other Fêtes here, they it’s not just a name; they really mean party.  La Fête Nationale is like the 4^th of July in the U.S. and celebrates the storming of the Bastille.  From what I know it’s a celebration of the break away from feudalism and the monarchy . . . rebellion against tyrants and unjust power.  La Fête National celebrates the rebelliousness of the French and reminds them of who they are and what they believe in.   

 

Today the sapeurs pompiers (fire fighters) have balls and the entire city is supposed to party.  The city will be open all night and bars will have very cheap drinks.  So, Cyn and I will try to go out, but not get too crazy.  We’ll see how I feel in tomorrow’s post. 

Oh yeah, Paris is suposed to have the some of the best fireworks shows in the world around the city the end with a giant show at le tour eiffel. 

Nous Commençons L'école Aujourd'hui

School begins aujourd'hui.  Cyn and I get in same class.  The teacher doesn’t speak English at all.  Instruction is entirely in French.  Our professor is amazing; I can’t say enough good things about her.  Still, the class is très difficile.