As you probably know from my self-pitying facebook statuses I have been very sick the last few weeks. I am almost out of the red zone (I hope) but now have to face continuous headaches for the last three days non-stop which is just LOVELY. So let's keep our fingers crossed that I'm feeling better before my very, very busy weekend.
Last weekend was a bit of a failure...after wrapping up like an Eskimo with 5 t-shirts, tights, trousers, 2 pairs of socks, 2 pairs of gloves, one jumper, one hoody, one huge coat, a hat and ear muffs I felt just about prepared to face the bitter -5 degree weather outside. I'm not a crazy person going out in the condition I was in but...it was important. The rugby match between France and Ireland was planned for the 11th of February at 21h at the Stade de France. Apparently there had already been rumours that it was going to be cancelled due to the cold weather but I hadn't heard any and to be honest I'm sure the rugby teams (due to the sheer size of them) could manage a bit of ice. Anyway long story short the game was called off, people at home actually knew before us (the 80,000 fans standing freezing in the stadium) so I received some texts before it was actually confirmed. I can understand completely why they made the decision as some parts of the pitch were supposedly entirely frozen but I think the decision could have been made sooner. People had already requested that the match be moved to 3pm, a request that was promptly denied. I think deep down people knew it was too cold. I just feel sorry for all the people who flew over. I met an Irish couple in the Mazet on Sunday who had spent 800 euros on their flights, 800 euros on the hotel and god knows how much else on the simple eating out costs in Paris. It was such a shame too because the atmosphere was so fantastic on the trains, going up to the stadium and inside. It was freezing yes, but the fans were as loyal and supportive as ever and the French and Irish were even having a bit of banter (first time I ever saw that!!) If you want to read more about the rugby here's a good article http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/union-news/french-farce-as-six-nations-match-cancelled-at-last-minute-20120212-1sz38.html
So...disappointed by the match we left and headed to find a bar. I was so surprised when we found a little bar just off Rue Laplace. This might mean nothing to you but this is where I spent most of my time last year - between the Pomme d'Eve and the Violin Dingue in the fifth. I couldn't believe just a few steps away was this hidden gem...http://www.lepianovache.com/ The Piano Vache (literally the Piano Cow) is a small, quirky, cool bar just tucked away from the tourists. As well as several different size cow statues it is filled with photos and posters and writing is all over the walls - traces of people who have previously frequented the bar. The TV is always on, showing bizarre 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s rock stars (including some people cutting up a pig's head). Yes it's a bit strange but that's the bar, something different in a Parisian world where things start to merge into one sometimes. I love Paris but bars sometimes seem to be one of two things - either typically French like a brasserie or cocktail type bar or they are trying to be English, American, Australian or Irish. There's nothing wrong with this but sometimes it's nice to find a bar that's totally different. I felt like I could have been in London, Berlin or Paris....and I loved it. I hope to drag the girls there soon :-)
Lastly, two weeks ago I went to see the Arctic Monkeys with Ilana (thanks to some free tickets from a friend who couldn't make it). They were amazing live and the atmosphere at Le Zenith was really great...even the support act Miles Keen was excellent so all in all we had a great time. I felt 17 again and some of the songs brought back so many forgotten but happy memories.
So...I think that's all for now. It's my day off today so i'll be heading to the supermarket, possibly the doctors and sorting out my mess of an apartment. Thrilling eh?!
Peace
