Paris Mood Swings

An abrupt and unaccountable change of moods will define Paris during the last couple of months. From weather craziness that no one can escape, to strikes whose objectives are never quite clear; they are just part of the city. These are the two most commented topics in any discussion with friends, family, or colleagues.

We could explain how the weather has been crazy in Paris by saying how we had for three days in a row a rainbow appearing in the middle of the day. It seems Paris is not sure if it wants to receive spring yet. We can wake up on a cloudy day, and after a couple of hours it will get sunny making everyone run out onto a terrace to enjoy the sun but then, suddenly, rain without any warning. I’m not sure when it is going to get back to a normal or at least to one type of weather. So for the time being, take an umbrella, sunglasses, and a scarf every time you get out of your house.

And then you have strikes. The French have gained a reputation as the world champions of strikes (“les grèves” in French). However, France is not at the top of the list. Actually the countries with the highest rankings are Denmark and Norway. The difference between them and France is that French strikes can be violent, which increases media attention. Normally the strikes are focused on problems between bosses and employees. Some say that they may be a necessary evil to improve workers’ rights. I guess that may be one hard debate to win, and meanwhile Paris habitants must keep calm and get used to them.