Yes, I’m still in Paris.
Walked entire length of both the 10th and 11th last night from about 5:30 to 7PM. Searching for Helmet Newcake, a gluten free bakery that turned out to be closed. As you can see, the bakery is one store away from Le Petite Cambodge where one of the attacks took place. I was there at approximately 7PM. Not entirely sure when the attacks began, but whatever time it was feels damn close. I actually walked past the bakery by accident, because it was closed and dark, and my map told the status was open, so I actually got to the intersection just past the bakery, looked around, looked right and saw the Asian restaurant and thought “Maybe I’ll eat there.” But it was pretty empty so I decided to walk back and eat where I was staying. It’s odd because there are areas near the restaurant that were bustling, but that specific spot was very quiet. It also had the feel of a place I wanted to keep my eyes open. Not bad by any means, but a few guys hanging around that looked bored and looked like they needed a bit of my attention. I keep thinking that this restaurant had to be random because it doesn’t feel like a huge tourist spot, but perhaps I’m wrong.
Two of my coworkers were close to the Bataclan. One trapped in a bar a block away from the theatre and another in the underground. But we are all good now.
Traveling the city over the past few days my mind was constantly occupied by thoughts of what is possible, in a dark way. My father, before his death, instilled in me the idea that the world had changed and that the alert level of daily life was permanently on the rise. “Be aware,” he said. “If your daily alert level is yellow, move it up to orange.” This is no way to live, at least in any human way, but perhaps we have no choice, at least for now. At least until the world tires of the mess, but also until the people responsible finally understand that carnage is always a short-term solution, and the ONLY long-term solution that works for humanity is hope. Want your own empire? Create hope. And believe me, these guys want their own empire.
Hope is transcendent because it knows no bounds or borders and can be sparked from the slightest idea or movement. It requires no secrecy or suicide missions. Once it gets going it’s impossible to turn off, and instead of driving apart it solidifies the human animal like nothing else. Historically killing never works.
I’m not really sure what else to say. There is traffic in the street outside my apartment. Exactly one person walking. Most things are closed. A curfew but not sure what that means. I was hoping to get out on the streets, but there are rumors of gunman still roaming. Lots of sirens still, choppers too from time to time. And with everything closed it feels entirely exposed. I’m now seeing on television that there are some people on the streets, not many but some.
The magic of France will eventually win out, as will the will of the world. Time and truth are on our side.
Vive La France.
More later.
Comments 13
Glad you are OK and always good to hear your take on anything. Stay safe.
Author
AM,
Thank you. Was out most of the day. Strange day for sure.
The banality of their fanaticism is what strikes me. Feelings of disgust about sex and a perverse belief that the proper condition of mankind is enslavement. Adolescent stupidity, But deadly.
Author
Lionel,
Great description.
Big sigh of relief to know that you’re ok. Come home safe!
Author
HIGA!! I’m here. Staying low. Thanks for writing.
When I heard about all the shit that was going down in Paris I quickly did a mental list of who I know that could be there at the moment. Thankfully was only you, and I mean thankfully cause could be way more people increasing the chances of having someone affected by the attacks, but being only one the odds had to be more in my favor. At the same time, to anyone that follows you here, we all know how much you like to roam that city (or any city) and take photos, and be by yourself with yourself, so that doesn’t help the odds to move more in the direction I want … Thankfully you still on twitter so I got quick sings of life in the other side.
Take care and stay safe.
Author
Erlantz,
Thanks amigo. Much appreciated. Love this city. Love this country. Love these people. Power on.
When I heard the news I thought of you straight away, hence the reason for the Twitter DM. Good to hear that you’re safe and I hope the rest of your trip is quiet one.
Happy to hear you are safe. Hope it stays that way for everyone.
Author
Sean,
Me too. A bad scene all around.
Well said Pendejo!
I’m very glad you’re safe and sound.
Author
Eric,
I knew someone would call me a pendejo. Glad it was you.