| Paris, New Zealand |
| Written by Brendon Green |
| Friday, 09 October 2009 03:36 |
|
Back in Paris, and I’m finally sick. I think I’ve done quite well holding off the Travel Cold for 2 whole months. And as the tissues mount up, the will to go outside and explore - drops like something that is hot. (If you head is too foggy and you can’t think of a simile, just reference Snoop Dogg; works every time.) But I’m not going to let something as trivial as a head cold keep me from going out for a weekend of artistic expedition. Lo and behold, I make it back to Paris for THE artistic night of the year: Nuit Blanche. Basically once a year, 3 arrondissements (living areas) are chosen to be made into huge galleries. So there are actual galleries and museums showing exhibitions, and then also awesome public installations, throughout the streets and parks. And all of this is open and free from 7pm right through till dawn. My night consisted of a picnic dinner (read drinking wine) by the river Seine, then a trek through the Marais. Some of the installations included a statue of fairy lights that were wet up and timed to create the effect of a horse made of stars in full gallop (and it was Awesome). And also a bridge that was taken over with large cubic containers stacked like Tetris shapes and softly lit from inside (I’m sure it was very modern, and possibly even controversial, but I couldn’t tell you how or why). The night ended after a wander through Bouttes Chaumont. To be honest we were distracted by the dance party/pub, but from what I heard - the art around the park was beautiful. Before we knew it, it was 4.30AM, so the slow walk home began. The fact that I made it that long without giving up, makes me as glad as someone sipping on Gin & Juice. I didn’t fair so well on Sunday night though. Although this was a thoroughly New Zealand night, so I think an early pike out was in keeping with the theme. I tagged along with the crew from the Kiwi Corner restaurant and various others (mostly Kiwis, with a few French thrown in), and we went to see the Black Seeds, who are in the middle of a European tour. Now, back in New Zealand I actively avoid going to see Dub music (I know! And I don’t drink beer! What kind of New Zealand Male am I?), but how could I not go along to support my boys from back home? Anyway, the concert rocked and I even knew 2 of the songs. The highlight was probably the French guy who turned up, in a sincere attempt to represent his love of our country and music, in a bright yellow Australian jacket. But bonus points for trying. The Black Seeds killed on-stage, and then they hung around afterwards for drinks and chats. But that’s where I bailed, I was dead tired and just needed sleep. Fun times though, and it was good to see a full house jumping around to a band from back home. Kia ora, Black Seeds, Ka Pai. But this was all really just build up to my big move on Tuesday. Finally getting out of the hostel and into (hopefully) some authentic Parisian living. How much am I looking forward to this? As much as a Brizzle shizzles some fizzle kizzle. |
