After the big win on Champs-Elysee
It was a great weekend to be in France, and even better to be in the great capital, Paris. It was the fête nationale (Bastille Day) on Saturday and on Sunday, it was La Coupe de Monde (World Cup). Well France won, if y'all didn't know, and there was a HUGE celebration if you guys couldn't imagine.
For la Fête Nationale I didn't realize how crazy it was going to be. Back in the states, everyone does their own barbecues either in their backyards, or on their boats, or even at a public park. At night, most head over to the closest park or beach to watch the fireworks. In Paris, most head to Trocadero, Champ De Mars, or the seine to get a good view of the Eiffel Tower where they have the most amazing firework show that I have ever seen.
First off, when I got off the metro stop, École Militaire, the train was so packed and everyone got off at the same stop as me. I realized I was in trouble. I shuffled my way up the metro with the crowd and when we finally got outside I could breathe again. I called my friend to meet up with her. She was already on the Champ de Mars, and it took me about 20 minutes to find her in the already packed park. For those who don't know what Champ de Mars is, it is the big green park behind the Eiffel Tower. It is hard to miss.
After locating my friends, we decided to find a nearby bar because we didn't want to stay under the sun for 3 more hours without food or drinks before the fireworks. One of the friends we were with, was from Canada. He came to Paris specifically on this weekend because it was his birthday gift to himself and he wanted to see the fireworks. We didn't know what to expect when it was time for the fireworks but we took a chance. We found a bar a few streets down, had a couple of drinks, ate a couple of Plaches de Charcuterie (Meat Platters), and played a couple of rounds of Baby Foot (Foosball). When the sun finally sets around 10:30, we ran over Champ de Mars making it in time, to find a good spot. The show started right at 11pm, it was beautifully choreographed with music ranging from French songs, Spanish songs and even hit English songs ranging from Rhianna "Umbrella" to Prince "Purple Rain". It was worth waiting for!
Luckily for me the weekend wasn't over and the big game every French person and French Wannabe like myself was waiting for. We watched every match with sweat and tears and this was going to be the cherry on top to end this great weekend. So my friend and I made a huge mistake by deciding to meet up at Champs-Elysee. The game started at 5pm and we met up around 1pm. The Champs-Elysee was already bustling with fans in their jerseys waving their flags and making sure they are heard. It took us 30 minutes to find a decent place to watch the game. Luckily and I repeat LUCKILY we found a place at the chain restaurant Hippopotamus. I waited in a line while my friend went to ask how long
the wait was. The restaurant was a hot mess and as soon as she asked how long for two they offered her a place and just disregarded the people in line. I felt bad for the people before us, but not bad enough to give up the table *insert evil laugh here.
We got a little table behind the bar, it was quiet at first. We got to eat good and drink well. An hour before the game started the restaurant became quite a bigger mess. People were starting to crowd in and trying to be in spots they had no business being. As soon as the game started the doors were closed and still people pressed up their noses against the windows to watch the game. It was so busy that the people outside were up against the building across the street, some even tryin to climb the roof to get a glimpse of the game on the TV that was inside. It was chaotic, but I was in my zone. I love being in crazy sport atmosphere, I love the vibe people give and the love when the game is going right. I don't watch soccer enough to understand every concept. But again we were lucky, and we had a Syrian couple next to us that was on vacation. They were so lovely and we chatted here and there, and the guy explained the things we didn't understand.
Every Goal I felt the energy, I yelled, cheered, and hugged with the crowd. I was loving every moment of it. We paid our bill during half time. The game was intense. When we finally won, we hit the streets and ran down to the Champs-Elysee. We stormed the streets, jumping with joy, waving the French flag with pride. It was one of a kind experience. I am so happy to be part of this big win in the home country. It something I will never forget.