I'm GLAD I am not in Paris. At least not right now. Because I'm not even anywhere near France and all these strikes are really getting on my nerves, at this point. At first it was interesting for me to observe what was happening and to use it as an opportunity to learn more about the French cultural mindset and some of the political issues there. Now, I'm wondering how long they're going to keep it up considering it doesn't seem to be having the radical effect the protestors want (i.e. a complete revocation of the CPE law). I can only imagine how tiresome it must be for those who have to live with it, up close and personal.
I keep hearing, via other bloggers, that there's yet another grève planned for next Tuesday, the 11th. I don't know why Tuesday is "strike day" in France. Has it always been that way? Or is it just this particular issue and the preference of the organizers to have weekly strikes on a Tuesday? Why is it only once a week instead of every day for a week?
I love Paris in the springtime... but I sure hope this CPE furor is resolved by mid-May, because I'm hopeful I might be able to swing a trip over the pond for my 45th birthday (May 19th - shop early and avoid the rush). And on my last trip to Paris, 5 years ago for my 40th, the highlight of my trip was being the target of a pickpocket in the Métro. This time around, I sure don't need the CPE to spoil my trip! So if I do get there again this May, I want Paris to be peaceful and lovely and full of le printemps.
