Last weekend I went to France, and then returned to Lagos. I say Lagos, but it could be Mombassa, even Lima, throw in Delhi. Pick any spot where traffic is chaos and it is a general uncivilised free-for-all, the kind of mess you associate with developing infrastructure and general lawlessness on the road, throw in some overpopulation for good measure and a couple of broken down trucks... well that is where it feels like I came back to; Paris. In fact, it couldn't be any of those places, because despite the traffic being chaotic and the drive leaving you with a this-is-a-dog-show feeling, the people are lovely and kind, some even smile. The same can't be said for Paris!
Why is it that the French in Paris have to trample each other for nothing? If there were something to gain, I could manage to understand it, but when the gain is to avoid someone else making a gain, that's just stupid. What inconsiderate childishness.
Some tips for integration on your next visit. When in Paris make sure you block intersections, use highway on-ramps to steal three places in the traffic, squeeze people out when merging lanes and push into queues. In fact do your best to screw over your fellow countrymen... Oui, fraternité! It's not on the town halls as a motto, but a despairing reminder.
That said I did visit the charming, beautiful France on the weekend, this region seems to coincide with everything outside the radius of about 50 km from Paris. The people are kind a welcoming, they even talk to strangers, the food is good, the pace is peaceful and the air is fresh.
Ah, how Paris could be a such great city.
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