Ejem... not fête as in party. Fête as in celebratory day.
In french, the Fête of (something) stands for (something's) Day. And today was The Fête de la Musique.
The fête de la musique is Music's Day in France (and celebrated in quite a few other countries as well or so I've recently learned). Every year, on June 21st profesional and amateurs musicians alike set up camp on the streets of Paris and give improvised free concerts throughout the day. During la fête de la musique on any given corner of the city you'll hear people jamming and playing all kinds of music, from jazz to classical, from opera to RnB, from hip hop to reggae.
For the past 6 years for some reason or another, I've always missed the fête de la musique. So this year I was really looking forward to seeing what all the hoopla was about.
Originally, I had intended on scouting the streets of Paris in search of today's picture and enjoying the music as a side perk.
But then something happened. I realized I am too old for this sh!t (said Danny Glover in Lethal Weapon style).
As you can see in today's pic... the fête de la musique attracts a swarm of people in Paris. Now, back in the days, I used to love events like this: hundreds of people converging to a place (or several) to party. I spent most of my thursdays, fridays, saturdays and sundays nights of my student life going to jam packed concerts, discos, bars, parties, etc., where walking (and breathing!) space was limited. Where the music volume was so loud it was easier communicating in sign language. Where walking at an average speed of 10cm/hr was standard procedure and bumping into people a way of making friends. Where waiting 2hrs to buy a luke warm beer and feeling the heat and humidity of 1000 bodies crammed into a 25sq foot space were the definition of "a totally awesome party!".
But those days are long gone. As I was walking in Saint-Michel boulevard yesterday afternoon with the loud noise (ejem, sorry, the musique) and the crowds, and the heat and the impossible to move without smelling the body odors of the people in front, behind and beside you, all I could think of was "I can't wait to get home".
I guess it's official. I've become one of those cranky "old folks" I always vowed I would never turn into.
Fned.
4 comments:
NOOOOOOO, I don't believe it! musta been the heat. I hear it's been brutal there, and believe me, enough heat accumulated during the day can burn out any potential enthusiasm (no pun intended). Remember Maná and other concerts recently attended????
Weren't you the same girl who traveled god knows how many hours to stand in the rain watching Mana?!
I don't think you've got anything to worry about...you're certainly not one of 'those' people...lol.
Sooo...when can I read about your last 15 years?
one of my old dream is to go in Paris all along the river to hear the music group ,perhaps for my 65 years ???!!!
Minshap: Calm down mom! I realize I was cranky and whiny when I wrote that post... besides, it's true that the hot, humid weather probably had something to do with it. Lord knows I would face that and much much much more for a Maná concert. :)
That girl: gulp! Talk about putting on the pressure! ;) I promise... after I finish the 30dProject (otherwise the alien title will mess up my organized archive list of recent postings -- Yes, I'm anal like that. What can you expect? I'm a virgo. LOL)
Anonymous: That sure would make for a lovely 65th b-day present!
Fned.
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