I was silently reassuring myself with the fact that I had not yet been affected by either evacuations so, at present, it must not be too concerning. However when the US government issued a "travel alert" to all Americans travelling within Europe they were very quickly and closely followed by Britain, who also recognised the possible threat for tourists in Europe. But before my mother starts reading this and having a panic attack...yes I became aware that the situation was more serious than I originally first thought (and I think that can be said for a large number of people) it is however fair to say that I am barely classed as a 'tourist' any longer anyway. I have been here for nearly eight weeks now, my French is at a higher standard than ever before and I surprisingly, don't spend every weekend visiting the tourist attractions in France. And to be perfectly honest, in light of the recent warnings American au pair and I have discussed steering clear of certain monuments for the next few months, or at least until all of this calms down, which fingers crossed won't be long.
So just before any of my friends or family start freaking out I am taking every precaution possible in the current, difficult situation. Paris itself carries on as it always does, throngs of people always rushing rushing rushing to get to work/to get home/to get somewhere. Of course the warnings have had an impact on the public, as people visit Paris all year round. But for the most part life goes on as normal, the smell of fresh croissants still tinges the air every morning and as Autumn has crept its way in the city awaits winter when the Eiffel Tower, covered with snow, sparkles like it has been encrusted with diamonds.
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