The Storming of the Bastille: France 2012
It’s only every 5 years that one has the opportunity to experience a presidential election in France. So with less than an hour to spare, I headed to Bastille, the main public location where the results would be celebrated. When I got there I thought there were a lot of people, but I was wrong. Way more came. I’ve never been so squooshed in my life (even at Obama’s Inauguration my feet almost froze off, but I had room to stand and breathe). I think my calves will be extra sore tomorrow as for a large portion of my time in the human sardine can, I was on my tip toes. When it was announced that François Hollande [note: the “H” is silent in French] won, I felt like I was in an earthquake or rip tide and moved with the crowd, conveniently to a better view of the jumbotron. I almost forgot to take pictures in the midst of it all, briefly blinded by champagne and beer in the eye from my neighbors. But it was exciting and something you don’t get to do every day. As I write this, I suppose people are still in Bastille, trying to make their way out; it was a true battle out. It took me almost an hour to get the couple blocks to where I needed to be. I overheard someone in “passing” comment that this was just like a manifestation, except that no one would move. Ironically, the speed I moved to leave the crowds reminded me of the way a lot of things happen in France. Still, I think everyone was too happy and amused to care, and for me it was another new French experience.
And the winner is…Hollande!
A concession speech from Sarkozy [above].
Hollande addresses France.
The human sardine can, aka the crowd. (I was near the white jumbotron on the right hand side of this image).
The escape.
All images from my Instagram feed. For more of my favorite shots, visit my official Flickr album!
Amy_Weiser DC
May 7, 2012 at 1:01 am //
Your travels seem very cool. Jealous that you got to go to Obama’s inauguration!
Robín
May 7, 2012 at 10:03 am //
Hollande ??? a foreigner from Les Pays Bas.. (The Low Countries)
If you like the “bains de foules” you should come to Spain in summer when the “fiestas” happen and alcohol and multitudes together, go marching in; that´s crazyness loved so much by Hemingway in Pamplona “San Fermines”. What is the american title of Ernest “Paris est une fête” ?
But again we must be sad considering these poor unhappy people are so low that they really consider politics and socialism as just a football and drinking game.
Felicia Shelton
May 7, 2012 at 11:07 am //
Such a pivotal moment in France and we’re here to witness it. Sarkozy’s reign is over and now we’ll get to see what Hollande has in mind to improve France’s status in these economically cynical times.
Sol i Alien - Włóczykijów Dwóch
May 7, 2012 at 11:13 am //
Great blog!
We also have a blog about travels etc.. For sure we will look into your blog again. Greetings!
Sol & Alien
Michelle in Madison
May 7, 2012 at 2:33 pm //
Thanks for sharing your experience! loved the photos
funny yu think
May 7, 2012 at 11:34 pm //
Wow, I always wanted to be there, you know. At something is so big that for years you can sat “I was there…”
Jeremy Bates
May 8, 2012 at 7:58 am //
It will be interesting to see what a socialist does. If I am correct, it’s been like 20 years since France elected a socialist, right?
Anna
May 9, 2012 at 11:51 am //
Oh, nice to see your pics! We didn’t reach Bastille in time so we missed it, but could enjoy the celebrating at Place de Clichy instead.
/Anna – About the artistic life in Paris