Eurojournal - 12 August 2006

We spent a few hours doing school work. Liam worked on the letter A in French and English. We played a game thinking of words that started with A and practiced writing it. Luna worked on her math and I tried to teach a few French words. Byron is working on his Algebra II work along with journals, history and vocabulary. I am reviewing more French vocabulary.

We puttered about waiting for the rain to stop. We were pretty disappointed that we could not have our picnic at the Tour Eiffel. Liam was optimistic the whole time “It will clear up later. It might just be fog.” We went out to check out the scene at the Louvre. Not really committed to going in yet. We stayed outside and saw the pyramids and mini arc de triomphe. The Louvre, mini arc, arc de triomphe and grand arc line up perfectly.

While we were there, we heard chanting much like…hmmm…a demonstration! We went out to see what it was and it was in fact a huge demo against the war in Lebanon. Of course we had to jump in and march with them. It was so lively yet peaceful. We marched by people dressed in suits and dresses. Byron noticed how upstanding everyone looked. We marched to the opera house. This is what was so amazing. Hundreds of Lebanese and Palestineans (possibly) lined the steps of the opera house and faced the marchers. They held banners and flags. It was powerful. We sang and chanted. A truck came with a sound system and chanted. Following the truck was a huge influx of what might be Lebanese and Palestineans, children, adults, all ages. They were families. They had signs saying “hier, j’avais des soeurs” or “hier, j’avais des parents.” Literal translation: “yesterday, I had sisters or yesterday, I had parents. Pictures of maimed and dead loved ones were everywhere. The energy was really intense. I saw the pictures and began to cry a bit. I felt this sense of reality that I have never felt before.

We left the demo to find dinner and ate at a Mexican restaurant. Byron and I realized how much we missed burritos. They are such a staple for us at home. It wasn’t as good as -home but it was okay. We went to the Champs-Elysees and saw the Arc de Triomphe. The last time I was in Paris, about 18 years ago, the arc was under construction so I never went under it. It was really amazing. We passed the tour Eiffel as it lit up. When we arrived home the tour Eiffel was sparkling. It was beautiful. Always makes me smile.


dans le Metro

Au Louvre