Finally, I caught a train home! Tomorrow the strike in Paris will intensify as if the other day wasn’t intense enough. The train station was a Ghost Town only a hand full of trains, most of the shops and vendors were located around and in the train station were closed. Usually, the train station is a hub of activity and thousands of people go every which way. But today it was completely opposite of that.
On the other hand, the train staff was all smiles, asking if there was anything they could do to help, and going out of their way to say, "Bonjour, Bienvenue." That just seemed odd usually that is not the case and given that the strike has affected many people and businesses I was surprised that nobody called them out on it. But one thing I have learned in France is the French are very patience and usually respect others' right to protest. In the few metros, the lines were endless, and the train cars packed like sardines and yet everyone was respectfully tolerant. When the train staff said, "Hi Welcome!" to me I wanted to say, "REALLY!!!" But what would have that helped?
As I rolled my heavy suitcase to my waiting train car. The Custom Officers (Police) were at my train car searching someone's bag, I have never seen that before on a train. A young man asked if I needed help carrying my bag upstairs (double-decker train) I thanked him and said please. As he lugged it upstairs he asked me what I had inside as it weighed a ton. I do not know why but I said, "A body." He looked at me like he believed me. I just grinned. Until I saw the Custom Officer eyeing me.
Onward to Provence and waiting arms!
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