I've been in a bit of a bubble recently--I haven't really watched or read the French news for several days, and since I'm only in the office one day a week, I don't get much "water cooler" news. So I had no idea if this demonstration was an isolated one or part of something larger. I just checked Le Monde, and it turns out that there's an education strike today, with something like one-third to one-half of school personnel on strike nationwide. Strikes (les grèves) are usually accompanied by a demonstration (une manifestation, or manif'), but there are often demonstrations about some cause or another, with no strike involved.
I live a few blocks from Place de la Nation, a big public square. It's a popular spot 
for demonstrations, so I've seen quite a few since I've lived here. They're mostly peaceful--more like a parade than anything else, but there is generally a large police presence, just in case things start getting out of control. I always find it disconcerting to have to walk past groups of police in full riot gear when I go out to buy a baguette, even if the police are just standing there chatting, leaning on their clear plastic bullet-proof shields. It's one of those things that didn't often happen to me in the U.S.
Another thing that didn't often happen in the U.S.: having my doctor hand me a glass slide with my cell sample on it, for me to mail into the lab myself. This is standard procedure with French gynecologists. Anyone else have their Pap smear in their purse right now?!
(Sorry, Scott. I should have warned you to bring your smelling salts to this blog.)
for demonstrations, so I've seen quite a few since I've lived here. They're mostly peaceful--more like a parade than anything else, but there is generally a large police presence, just in case things start getting out of control. I always find it disconcerting to have to walk past groups of police in full riot gear when I go out to buy a baguette, even if the police are just standing there chatting, leaning on their clear plastic bullet-proof shields. It's one of those things that didn't often happen to me in the U.S.Another thing that didn't often happen in the U.S.: having my doctor hand me a glass slide with my cell sample on it, for me to mail into the lab myself. This is standard procedure with French gynecologists. Anyone else have their Pap smear in their purse right now?!
(Sorry, Scott. I should have warned you to bring your smelling salts to this blog.)
5 comments:
Just concentrate on the pretty picture of Place de la Nation, Scott. Everything will be okay. She must mean Pap as in Pappy, like an endearing nickname for her doctor. Or something. . . Feeling faint . . . . .
You're right, it's short for Papanikolaou. You're going to be SO good in Biology next semester!
Scott? SCOTT?! Viggo, if you're reading this, you need to lick Scott's face a few times to see if he regains consciousness. If not, you'll have to either call 911 or bark until the neighbors come to help (3 short barks, 3 long, 3 short).
Well, yes... amazing that you asked... as a matter of fact, and I'm not making this up, at this very instant, I do have a P*P S%ea@ in my purse. (Note great respect for sensitivities of fellow Native Observation readers.)
It's wrapped and ready, in an little protective cardboardish envelope provided by the doctor (I have to pay for the postage - don't let anyone tell you French social security provides total coverage), to be sent to a lab in Paris called "Clinique Mozart." Do you think you'll find medical labs in The Cities with such culture?
BTW, I love your blog, but this post will remain anonymous... what with the P*P S%ea@ confession and all...
To Anonymous: As I ponder the items that are apparently sent quite regularly through the French postal system, I begin to think that I should support the next grève or manif for improved working conditions at La Poste . . .
Thanks for the shout-out!
Scott is going to be okay. I've arranged to have him picked up and transported to the quiet room of a very good psychiatric hospital. His 72-hour hold begins at 12:00 noon CDT. We've called in additional staff and will be addressing a number of concerns.
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