Molière in the Park

Orientation today: Went around the Bastille neighborhood (11th, 12th, 4th, and 3rd arrondissements), and then toured around the very north of Paris by St. Ouen. It was really fascinating but I will post about that sometime later.

Instead, I will share this rather unexpected story. After we got back to Les Amandiers from today's touring, Natalia and I parted ways since we were completely exhausted after hours and hours of walking. I ate a little dinner and then decided to go explore the Parc de Belleville before it got dark. It's about a five minute walk from where I am and has these wonderful winding paths through trees and scrubs and bamboo, up to the top of a hill from which you can see nearly all of the city sprawled out below. Also at the top of the hill is a small arena, and tonight there happened to be a free public show of two Molière plays. I arrived at the end of La Jalousie de barbouillé and after that was Le Médecin volant (which means 'the flying doctor'). I think I was more enthralled by the crowd itself than the actually plays (although the plays were quite good). All sorts of people were there to watch: black kids, white kids, mixed race kids, young couples, middle aged people, and a little old lady with perfectly coiffed hair who was laughing at Molière's slapstick along with everyone else. It was really beautiful to watch the crowd as well as the play. Afterwards I chatted for a bit with someone else who had been watching. People here are incredibly friendly thus far.

Sometimes too friendly. A Malian guy from the foyer is trying to get me to marry him. I'm afraid there will be nothing for him but disappointment in that persuit.

Tomorrow: Fontainebleau! aaaand, more walking.