Danger in Paris!
Today's two similar but unrelated incidents of shock and confusion in Paris:
- 2:30 PM : Walking down the Boulevard Montparnasse with Sarah, a homeless man asks for change. As the French words for "I'm sorry" leave my mouth, he approaches us. Not thinking anything of it, Sarah and I continue walking until I feel a flat palm wallop sharply against my behind, lifting me off my feet. Looking behind us and realizing it was the same man who delivered the blow, Sarah and I scamper away unsure of what just happened.
- 2:00 AM : Returning from dropping off Sarah at her apartment (a 20 minute walk down the street), I encounter two young kids we saw on the way there, one holding a bottle of Diet Coke. They're still a bit ahead of me, but I'm walking fast because I want to get back quickly. They keep joking with each other as I catch up. One of them gestures to the other by slowing his pace. I assume they want me to pass, so I do so. They watch me all the way around them. I say "pardon" and they laugh. [this is disconcerting]. I get about 10 yards in front of them and they both break into a full sprint toward me. Naturally, I shag ass without looking back.
I still say Paris is a very safe city. It just didn't seem like it today!