Chaos

I was the one American sitting in a tram full of Frenchmen and Algerians. 30 minutes earlier, the USA beat Algeria 1-0 in the World Cup, earning themselves a berth at the 16s, something that has not been achieved for decades. This should be a monumental victory for all American fans, I should be wrapping myself in an American flag and screaming USA USA USA like an idiot. But I’m not; thankfully I had the good sense not to nor did I have a flag.

Why do I say thankfully? Because yesterday, on my regular commute home, I was in a tram filled with very drunk and very angry Algerians. Wrapped in their green flags, Algerians had stormed the streets of Paris thinking they had gotten a draw only to later find out that Landon Donovan scored a goal in the 92nd minute in overtime (WOOT!). Even worse, unions in France were planning a strike the following day and decided to take the opportunity - since it was 7:00 PM - to “practice” the strike. 

Much to everyone’s disgruntlement, my tram stopped 2 stations away from my residence. I always listen to music on the way home, so I didn’t catch the announcement why the tram was stopping. But thankfully, the kind woman next to me informed me that we had to get off because of the strike. Worried, I got off my tram and approached this elderly couple and asked them, “Qu’est ce que passe?” (What’s going on?)

…

……

…………..

A female scream pierces the calm silence of the lovely French afternoon.

Then another one, this time an angry male one.

Followed by sirens and 12 police squad cars.  

The Algerians were now very angry being drunk started destroying property, and my tram just so happened to drop me right next to the metro entrance where - I learned later - one of the riots was brewing. Luckily nothing happened, as riot police shut down everything, and barricaded all the metros until things could calm down.

Later back in the safety of my residence, I conferred with my other interns, and we shared similar stories. One was barricaded in with Frenchmen and Algerians till they calmed down. Another endured a two hour commute when he was forced to get off the metro, get on a bus that took him through several neighbourhoods before catching a tramway, and then being forced to walk home minutes later because of the riot and the strike. I had just experienced one of France’s famous strikes/riots. The funny thing was, it wasn’t as scary as it might seem, I certainly wasn’t scared; surprised yes but definitely did not think I was in harms way (Especially in the presence of so many officers). 

I’ve included a picture (below) and a video of the riot police. Sorry for the shaky camera, a big group of very stern riot police were coming towards me and I thought they would confiscate it.  

Oh I almost forgot, Jim Key, Director of Global Marketing dropped by from Intrax and we got to practice our networking skills including our 30 second elevator pitches :D 

And in case you all were wondering how I started blogging so quickly again, it’s because the kind people at Microsoft lent me a netbook. They have a closet full of them o.O because many laptop manufacturers send them one to test Windows software. So now I have a temporary laptop - albeit one in French =_= - until I get my new work laptop. 

Next post will be on French food! 

Until then... I'm off to bed now.

Bonne nuit! =)