Férié

The general consensus in Paris seems to be that "the month of May is just plain ridiculous." This is due the fact that there are an unbelievable number of holidays, meaning that schools and most businesses are closed. The French also seem to have a talent for making the majority of these holidays fall on a Tuesday, allowing them to faire le pont (build the bridge) between the day off and the weekend. Because who doesn't want two four day weekends in a row? It's strange because, while I don't think anyone really wants to give this up, everyone always ends up being inconvenienced by it... such as the majority of my professors, who are all annoyed that they can't do a final wrap-up class before finals (called the correction de devoirs, basically means they give you back your papers and tell you everything you were missing), but who have just resorted to a shrug and a tant pis before reminding us to be on time to the final next week. (Not that anyone knows which classroom it'll be in, since apparently it is a big secret until the giant spreadsheet goes up in the lobby half an hour before the start time.)

Anyway, the point is I once again don't have class and can give y'all yet another blog post. Oh so soon, you might say? It's worth it.

Basically, last night I got really classy. (Why is this night different from all other nights? It's not. This is Paris. I can wear heels for no reason and it's normal. My people!) So yeah, this time I was all dressed up and with someplace to go: Opéra Garnier to see the ballet of L'histoire de Manon (choreography by Kenneth MacMillan, music by Massenet/re-orchestrated last year by Martin Yates). Ahem: a;sdlkfj;sldkfja;lsdkjfal;skdf. All the emotions.

Dîner de sandwichs on the steps of Palais Garnier

Nope, you're doing it wrong

After peeking around the building, we went up to the top floor to find our seats. The only downside to the cheap seats is that you'd probably be comfortable in them only if you were under five feet tall (leg room and kneecap room were basically non-existent). So we all had sore backs and legs but it was unbelievably worth it. Look at this place! Look look look!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sort of out-of-place style for the ceiling depicting various operas.

We may or may not have been the last ones to leave the building.

So. Just your average Monday. Here's a video I found of a part of the ballet if you are so interested (Manon declaring her love for Des Grieux...after they get it on of course).

I suppose studying for finals is now in order...

x R.