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'I feel Parisian, I feel French. They can't win': Paris after the attacks 'I feel Parisian, I feel French. They can't win': Paris after the attacks
(35 minutes later)
Nicole Story: ‘Panic spread in seconds, hundreds and hundreds of people, running, screaming’Nicole Story: ‘Panic spread in seconds, hundreds and hundreds of people, running, screaming’
On Saturday night, in the Place de la République, we lit a candle in memory of the tragic deaths of 13 November. Everyone was lighting candles, leaving flowers, writing heartbreaking and inspiring messages. People were singing the French national anthem, chanting: “Liberté, solidarité, on n’a pas peur (we are not afraid).” It was a scene that couldn’t help but move you to tears.On Saturday night, in the Place de la République, we lit a candle in memory of the tragic deaths of 13 November. Everyone was lighting candles, leaving flowers, writing heartbreaking and inspiring messages. People were singing the French national anthem, chanting: “Liberté, solidarité, on n’a pas peur (we are not afraid).” It was a scene that couldn’t help but move you to tears.
In the next surreal moment, police with machine guns began running towards us, and almost in a dreamlike state we realised people were beginning to run out of the square. Panic spread in seconds, hundreds and hundreds of people, running, screaming. People were turning over tables in cafés and hiding behind them. Everyone heard what they believed to be gunshots but were later reported to be only a firecracker prank. In that moment, in the middle of the hysteria, and the sirens, and the fear, we truly believed we were running for our lives, from what we also believed to be gunshots behind us.In the next surreal moment, police with machine guns began running towards us, and almost in a dreamlike state we realised people were beginning to run out of the square. Panic spread in seconds, hundreds and hundreds of people, running, screaming. People were turning over tables in cafés and hiding behind them. Everyone heard what they believed to be gunshots but were later reported to be only a firecracker prank. In that moment, in the middle of the hysteria, and the sirens, and the fear, we truly believed we were running for our lives, from what we also believed to be gunshots behind us.
While this was all only a false alarm in the heightened tensions of Paris, to have experienced on a much, much smaller scale the terror so many must have felt and do feel today in so many places is something that cannot be put into words. My heart aches for humanity in times like these.While this was all only a false alarm in the heightened tensions of Paris, to have experienced on a much, much smaller scale the terror so many must have felt and do feel today in so many places is something that cannot be put into words. My heart aches for humanity in times like these.
Everyone is clearly on edge; every siren, every glass broken, every car backfiring provokes a level of sudden fear that would’ve been unimaginable before these attacks. False alarms have been going off all over the city, in many cafes people rushing to take cover believing there is a shooter in the building, a few hours earlier the main building of my university was evacuated suddenly, police rushing in, students panicking and running into the street – and again it was only a false alarm. Everyone is in a hyper-vigilant state. Everyone is feeling the tragedy of this past weekend. Something has changed in the air that is impossible to describe.Everyone is clearly on edge; every siren, every glass broken, every car backfiring provokes a level of sudden fear that would’ve been unimaginable before these attacks. False alarms have been going off all over the city, in many cafes people rushing to take cover believing there is a shooter in the building, a few hours earlier the main building of my university was evacuated suddenly, police rushing in, students panicking and running into the street – and again it was only a false alarm. Everyone is in a hyper-vigilant state. Everyone is feeling the tragedy of this past weekend. Something has changed in the air that is impossible to describe.
However, not only is Paris a city of love and of light, but it is a city of life. It is a city of beauty, of laughter, of the little things, a glass of wine, a long talk at a café. Above all it is a city of strength and I know that we will never let hate win. Paris is my home now and I will pray for peace not only here, but in Beirut, Baghdad, and all places where anyone has to feel afraid to walk out of their homes in the morning.However, not only is Paris a city of love and of light, but it is a city of life. It is a city of beauty, of laughter, of the little things, a glass of wine, a long talk at a café. Above all it is a city of strength and I know that we will never let hate win. Paris is my home now and I will pray for peace not only here, but in Beirut, Baghdad, and all places where anyone has to feel afraid to walk out of their homes in the morning.
Je t’aime Paris… “Elle est agitée par les fots mais ne sombre pas (she is tossed by the waves but does not sink).”Je t’aime Paris… “Elle est agitée par les fots mais ne sombre pas (she is tossed by the waves but does not sink).”
Vincent Bosc: ‘Suddenly you talk to every stranger, we have shared something awful and it created some bond between each other’ Vincent Bosc: ‘Suddenly you talk to every stranger, we have shared something awful and it created some bond between us’
The night it happened, I was at a friend’s anniversary, very close to one of the shootings. One of the strangest nights of my life. We had no TV, and it took us some time to realise what was happening.The night it happened, I was at a friend’s anniversary, very close to one of the shootings. One of the strangest nights of my life. We had no TV, and it took us some time to realise what was happening.
Someone heard some shots outside, someone talked about something happening in the stadium, but we only understood it was really bad when people started to text us to ask if we were ok. So many messages. So many that you get something very wrong is going on. Someone heard some shots outside, someone talked about something happening in the stadium, but we only understood it was really bad when people started to text us to ask if we were OK. So many messages. So many that you get that something very wrong is going on.
We were numerous and it helps a lot in this kind of events. The mood during the night wasn’t too bad and awkwardly quite light, there was a lot of dark humour. We were advised not to go out and we came back to our places very late, or rather, very early the next day. In 20 years, people will ask us what we were doing that night and we’ll remember. It’s in that famous category of events.We were numerous and it helps a lot in this kind of events. The mood during the night wasn’t too bad and awkwardly quite light, there was a lot of dark humour. We were advised not to go out and we came back to our places very late, or rather, very early the next day. In 20 years, people will ask us what we were doing that night and we’ll remember. It’s in that famous category of events.
I only completely realised the scale of the tragedy the next morning when the death toll was officialy above 100. When I learned one of my friends had been shot at the concert and was in a coma fighting for his life. Then it really hit me and I cried. My reaction really surprised me as I consider myself quite cynical and fatalist regarding that type of events. I only completely realised the scale of the tragedy the next morning when the death toll was officialy above 100. When I learned one of my friends had been shot at the concert and was in a coma fighting for his life, then it really hit me and I cried. My reaction really surprised me as I consider myself quite cynical and fatalist regarding these type of events.
We have spent the days since the tragedy going to every places where it happened. Lighting candles, putting flowers, it’s not much but it really helps a lot. It’s a tragedy but like in January there is a lot of positive energy emerging from it. A sense of unity. We have spent the days since the tragedy going to every place where it happened. Lighting candles, putting flowers, it’s not much but it really helps a lot. It’s a tragedy but like in January there is a lot of positive energy emerging from it. A sense of unity.
Suddenly you talk to every stranger, we have shared something awful and it created some bond between each other. Strong emotional events, positive or negative, do that. I come from south west, and despite living here for more than 10 years, I never felt Parisian. For the first time I really do. Suddenly you talk to every stranger, we have shared something awful and it created some bond between us. Strong emotional events, positive or negative, do that. I come from the south-west, and despite living here for more than 10 years, I never felt Parisian. For the first time I really do.
I feel Parisian, I feel French, and looking at the numerous reactions around the world, I feel more human than ever. They can’t win. We’ll grieve, we’ll do massive gatherings and gradually we’ll go back to our daily things.I feel Parisian, I feel French, and looking at the numerous reactions around the world, I feel more human than ever. They can’t win. We’ll grieve, we’ll do massive gatherings and gradually we’ll go back to our daily things.
We know it’s only a start. They will attack us again, they seem to particularly enjoy Paris and particularly my neighbourhood. Maybe next time, I’ll lose close friends, maybe I’ll lose my own life. It’s scary but I know as well that odds of that happening remain very high.We know it’s only a start. They will attack us again, they seem to particularly enjoy Paris and particularly my neighbourhood. Maybe next time, I’ll lose close friends, maybe I’ll lose my own life. It’s scary but I know as well that odds of that happening remain very high.
They hope it will create some kind of civil war, but if it didn’t create one in January on a more divisive matter, it won’t happen now. We won’t burn mosques, we know they only wait for that.They hope it will create some kind of civil war, but if it didn’t create one in January on a more divisive matter, it won’t happen now. We won’t burn mosques, we know they only wait for that.
They can’t win, and they won’t.They can’t win, and they won’t.
Candles and flowers for BataclanCandles and flowers for Bataclan
At the corner of Rue Oberkampf and (now barred from police) Boulevard Richard Lenoir, people are leaving candles, flowers and notes in memory of the historic concert hall victims.At the corner of Rue Oberkampf and (now barred from police) Boulevard Richard Lenoir, people are leaving candles, flowers and notes in memory of the historic concert hall victims.
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By Michael SaitakisBy Michael Saitakis
17 November 2015, 22:1417 November 2015, 22:14
Bethan Keogh: ‘Now I feel vulnerable. Like nowhere is really safe’Bethan Keogh: ‘Now I feel vulnerable. Like nowhere is really safe’
I was at home on Friday night when the attacks happened and stayed there until Monday morning when I had to go to work, apart from a short trip to the deserted supermarket on Saturday morning. From my window I can watch people running along the Canal de L’Ourq usually. On Saturday I saw almost none. By Sunday I saw groups of runners together. I was at home on Friday night when the attacks happened and stayed there until Monday morning when I had to go to work – apart from a short trip to the deserted supermarket on Saturday morning. From my window I can watch people running along the Canal de L’Ourq usually. On Saturday I saw almost none. By Sunday I saw groups of runners together.
The metro ride on Monday morning was unusually quiet, half of the seats were empty when usually at this time I have to stand. But it wasn’t just that, people were quiet, whispering rather than chatting at a normal volume, I didn’t see anyone begging or anyone busking which really is unusual on this route at this time of day.The metro ride on Monday morning was unusually quiet, half of the seats were empty when usually at this time I have to stand. But it wasn’t just that, people were quiet, whispering rather than chatting at a normal volume, I didn’t see anyone begging or anyone busking which really is unusual on this route at this time of day.
It feels different to the attacks in January, when I stayed inside to appease my worried parents rather than out of actual fear. This time I am truly afraid. As a Brit living in Paris, I wasn’t as familiar with Charlie Hebdo in January as I am now, but the Bataclan is a place I’ve frequented and love. I regularly eat and drink around the Republique area that was also touched by this. The Stade de France is just up the canal from my place and such a familiar sight, I can’t even comprehend what happened there.It feels different to the attacks in January, when I stayed inside to appease my worried parents rather than out of actual fear. This time I am truly afraid. As a Brit living in Paris, I wasn’t as familiar with Charlie Hebdo in January as I am now, but the Bataclan is a place I’ve frequented and love. I regularly eat and drink around the Republique area that was also touched by this. The Stade de France is just up the canal from my place and such a familiar sight, I can’t even comprehend what happened there.
Last time I was able to soothe my doubts by thinking that I wasn’t a journalist reporting on controversial topics and so in the grand scheme of things, I was relatively safe. Freedom of speech was something I found important but not anything I’d actively felt the need to fight for before. Now however I feel vulnerable. Like nowhere is really safe.Last time I was able to soothe my doubts by thinking that I wasn’t a journalist reporting on controversial topics and so in the grand scheme of things, I was relatively safe. Freedom of speech was something I found important but not anything I’d actively felt the need to fight for before. Now however I feel vulnerable. Like nowhere is really safe.
The familiarity of the places of the attacks has also made me feel something new. A certain guilt I happened to be ill the night of the attacks and so safe inside. And frankly I feel guilty my city has been the main focus of the media’s attention this weekend while others have suffered with little attention and sympathy.The familiarity of the places of the attacks has also made me feel something new. A certain guilt I happened to be ill the night of the attacks and so safe inside. And frankly I feel guilty my city has been the main focus of the media’s attention this weekend while others have suffered with little attention and sympathy.
I feel incredibly sad for those who are suffering elsewhere, but the fear and familiarity of these attacks makes me feel something different all together. The stream of criticsm of the media circus surrounding the Paris attacks has felt personal, like a misplaced tragedy competition. It feels as if people are only complaining of a lack of coverage of some events because there is so much coverage of another. I don’t think that’s really the best way of honouring any of the victims.I feel incredibly sad for those who are suffering elsewhere, but the fear and familiarity of these attacks makes me feel something different all together. The stream of criticsm of the media circus surrounding the Paris attacks has felt personal, like a misplaced tragedy competition. It feels as if people are only complaining of a lack of coverage of some events because there is so much coverage of another. I don’t think that’s really the best way of honouring any of the victims.
Peace for Paris pic.twitter.com/ryf6XB2d80Peace for Paris pic.twitter.com/ryf6XB2d80
Anonymous: ‘I’m extremely proud of my fellow Parisians for standing in unity after such horrific events’Anonymous: ‘I’m extremely proud of my fellow Parisians for standing in unity after such horrific events’
I currently live and work in Strasbourg, eastern France, but I came back to my hometown for the weekend as I sometimes do to meet some friends and spend quality time with my family.I currently live and work in Strasbourg, eastern France, but I came back to my hometown for the weekend as I sometimes do to meet some friends and spend quality time with my family.
Ever since I heard the commentator of the France Germany game speaking of “dreadful events” that just had happened in Paris, I could not stop thinking about the attacks. Constantly watching the France 24 live-feed and texting my friends several times from the attacked neighbourhood did not make me feel any better. Ever since I heard the commentator of the France vs Germany game speaking of “dreadful events” that had just had happened in Paris, I could not stop thinking about the attacks. Constantly watching the France 24 live-feed and texting my friends from the attacked neighbourhood several times did not make me feel any better.
I managed to sleep for a couple of hours before taking an early train to Paris. The first thing that hit me was there were quite a few other passengers. I would have thought more would cancel their weekend plans. People were tense but not worried.I managed to sleep for a couple of hours before taking an early train to Paris. The first thing that hit me was there were quite a few other passengers. I would have thought more would cancel their weekend plans. People were tense but not worried.
At the Paris Gare de l’Est station, there were many people passing by, conducting business or living life as usual. It felt safe. The SNCF (our national railway company) staff were calm and looked determined to help in any way passengers willing to go home. There were not too many of them anyway, and if it was not for a whole group of pretty silent German tourists, probably here for Friday night’s game, and doubled military patrols, it would look like any Saturday morning. At the Paris Gare de l’Est station, there were many people passing by, conducting business or living life as usual. It felt safe. The SNCF (our national railway company) staff were calm and looked determined to help in any way. There were not too many passengers anyway, and if it was not for a whole group of pretty silent German tourists, probably here for Friday night’s game, and doubled military patrols, it would look like any Saturday morning.
In the metro, I was intrigued by the normal attitudes of people. No one was looking over their shoulder, no one was ranting about “radical Islamists” , the government’s hazardous foreign policy or counter-terrorism agencies’ failed efficiency. People were simply having very factual conversations about what happened during the night, asking details and discussing with caution potential and immediate consequences. When I got out of the coach a group was speculating whether the COP21 climate conference would be postponed. In the metro, I was intrigued by the normal attitudes of people. No one was looking over their shoulder, no one was ranting about “radical Islamists”, the government’s hazardous foreign policy or counter-terrorism agencies’ failed efficiency. People were simply having very factual conversations about what happened during the night, asking details and discussing with caution potential and immediate consequences. When I got out of the coach a group was speculating whether the COP21 climate conference would be postponed.
I did not go to where the attacks happened, nor did I mourn the fallen in one of the numerous gatherings that were organised in spite of police instructions. I did walk down the streets on Sunday though. It was a beautiful, sunny day. I was glad to see many Parisians having coffee or dinner outside. Even some kids were on the streets with their parents, tirelessly speaking about wonderfully different matters (the snow that will fall again this year, the Christmas presents list that changes every minute or even the latest James Bond movie at some point).I did not go to where the attacks happened, nor did I mourn the fallen in one of the numerous gatherings that were organised in spite of police instructions. I did walk down the streets on Sunday though. It was a beautiful, sunny day. I was glad to see many Parisians having coffee or dinner outside. Even some kids were on the streets with their parents, tirelessly speaking about wonderfully different matters (the snow that will fall again this year, the Christmas presents list that changes every minute or even the latest James Bond movie at some point).
It got me thinking, hopefully in the upcoming months we’ll be able to talk about our fears and acknowledge that we’re all frightened, for our lives, for the ones we love, and even for people we’ll never meet. We cannot just bury these fears inside, merely saying we’re lucky it does not happen every week as it does in Syria or Iraq (and a thousand other places). Not talking about our fears is exactly how we end up trusting people who promise there’s nothing to be afraid of in this life or the next like jihad recruiters. It got me thinking, hopefully in the upcoming months we’ll be able to talk about our fears and acknowledge that we’re all frightened, for our lives, for the ones we love, and even for people we’ll never meet. We cannot just bury these fears inside, merely saying we’re lucky it does not happen every week as it does in Syria or Iraq (and a thousand other places). Not talking about our fears is exactly how we end up trusting people who promise there’s nothing to be afraid of in this life or the next like jihadi recruiters.
I’m extremely proud of my fellow Parisians for standing in unity after such horrific events. I’m not blind, I know that racism and ignorance will soon claim their toll, as they would do in any society throughout the world. There will be heated debates about the place of Muslim values in our secular society and the place of France and the West in the collective security of the Middle-East. I’m extremely proud of my fellow Parisians for standing in unity after such horrific events. I’m not blind, I know that racism and ignorance will soon claim their toll, as they would do in any society throughout the world. There will be heated debates about the place of Muslim values in our secular society and the place of France and the west in the collective security of the Middle-East.
But ever since the Romans conquered Lutecia more than 2,000 years ago (and probably long before that even happened), terrorism has taken lives in these very streets, be that those of Roman prelates, medieval tax inspectors, betrayed Protestants, abandoned kings, nobles and revolutionaries alike, early Communists and fascist collaborationists. Proven right by History or not, in most cases, the only thing it accomplished in the long run was bringing us closer together, and reminding us that we’re one city, and one country, and, should we not prevail, no one is going to take away our freedom or who we are. And I feel like that’s the kind of spirit I witnessed last weekend in the streets of Paris. But ever since the Romans conquered Lutecia more than 2,000 years ago (and probably long before that even happened), terrorism has taken lives in these very streets, be that those of Roman prelates, medieval tax inspectors, betrayed Protestants, abandoned kings, nobles and revolutionaries alike, early Communists and fascist collaborationists. Proven right by history or not, in most cases, the only thing it accomplished in the long run was bringing us closer together, and reminding us that we’re one city, and one country, and, should we not prevail, no one is going to take away our freedom or who we are. And I feel like that’s the kind of spirit I witnessed last weekend in the streets of Paris.
Paris tributeParis tribute
Went to pay my respects this morning at Le Carillon. An ocean of flowers and candles, many people crying.Went to pay my respects this morning at Le Carillon. An ocean of flowers and candles, many people crying.
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By vcraigdeflBy vcraigdefl
16 November 2015, 15:2916 November 2015, 15:29
Patrick Towey: ‘It was an attack on a whole society and a way of life’Patrick Towey: ‘It was an attack on a whole society and a way of life’
I was looking forward to the weekend. A friend was visiting from Brussels with some of her colleagues and we planned to meet up at Place de Clichy near where they were staying. Shortly before I left I had a panicked phone call from my mum telling me about some shootings. I quickly checked the news and saw some unconfirmed reports of some attacks. Naively, I didn’t really think too much about it and ventured out into the mild November night.I was looking forward to the weekend. A friend was visiting from Brussels with some of her colleagues and we planned to meet up at Place de Clichy near where they were staying. Shortly before I left I had a panicked phone call from my mum telling me about some shootings. I quickly checked the news and saw some unconfirmed reports of some attacks. Naively, I didn’t really think too much about it and ventured out into the mild November night.
After being turned away from two bars that were closing early, we realised the gravity of the situation and headed back to the flat my friend was staying in. We spent the evening locked away in the flat; two Brits, two Germans and an Austrian. The group itself proof that peace can overcome violence in war torn regions. A progressive, integrated and most importantly peaceful Europe has emerged from the horrors of two world wars but here we were, cowering in the city I call home and the place they had come to spend an enjoyable weekend. After being turned away from two bars that were closing early, we realised the gravity of the situation and headed back to the flat my friend was staying in. We spent the evening locked away in the flat; two Brits, two Germans and an Austrian. The group itself proof that peace can overcome violence in war-torn regions. A progressive, integrated and most importantly peaceful Europe has emerged from the horrors of two world wars but here we were, cowering in the city I call home and the place they had come to spend an enjoyable weekend.
We spent the night alternating between messaging our loved ones to tell them we were safe, reading the news in horror as the death toll climbed higher and higher and trying to make sense of the situation that was unfolding. I promised to stay over to avoid going back out and spent the night trying to sleep on the cold, wooden floor. I walked back home in the morning through the hauntingly deserted streets of a city that was grieving its dead. We spent the night alternating between messaging our loved ones to tell them we were safe, reading the news in horror as the death toll climbed higher and higher and trying to make sense of the situation that was unfolding. I promised to stay over to avoid going back out and spent the night trying to sleep on the cold, wooden floor. I walked back home in the morning through the hauntingly deserted streets of a city grieving its dead.
On Sunday, the 11.30 mass at Notre Dame de Clignancourt was busier and much more emotional than usual. We held hands as we said the Our Father and shared tissues as we dabbed our eyes dry when praying for the victims and for peace. Our parish priest spoke eloquently about not letting the hate and vengeance that we felt in the aftermath of these attacks to lead us to war. A stark contrast to the words of politicians from around the world. He also spoke of solidarity with our Muslim sisters and brothers especially those we lived with in harmony in our own quartier. As someone of Irish Catholic heritage this resonates. The Islamic State are no more indicative of all Muslims than the IRA were of all Catholics. On Sunday, the 11.30am mass at Notre Dame de Clignancourt was busier and much more emotional than usual. We held hands as we said the Our Father and shared tissues as we dabbed our eyes dry when praying for the victims and for peace. Our parish priest spoke eloquently about not letting the hate and vengeance that we felt in the aftermath of these attacks lead us to war. A stark contrast to the words of politicians from around the world. He also spoke of solidarity with our Muslim sisters and brothers especially those we lived with in harmony in our own quarter. As someone of Irish Catholic heritage this resonates. The Islamic State are no more indicative of all Muslims than the IRA were of all Catholics.
People keep asking me if I feel safe now but it’s not something I’ve really reflected on. I remember being in Paris on a school trip the day of the London bombings and seeing soldiers wielding machine guns at Charles de Gaulle airport. Back then I felt a wave of fear at seeing this. But this morning at St Lazare station, the same sight of soldiers armed to the teeth was reassuring. Arriving at work there were posters of the now famous image adorning the doors, expressing our own company’s solidarity. A few hours later we learnt the heartbreaking news that one of our colleagues had been at the Bataclan and her brother-in-law had tragically been amongst the victims. People keep asking me if I feel safe now but it’s not something I’ve really reflected on. I remember being in Paris on a school trip the day of the London bombings and seeing soldiers wielding machine guns at Charles de Gaulle airport. Back then I felt a wave of fear at seeing this. But this morning at St Lazare station, the same sight of soldiers armed to the teeth was reassuring. Arriving at work there were posters of the now famous image adorning the doors, expressing our own company’s solidarity. A few hours later we learnt the heartbreaking news that one of our colleagues had been at the Bataclan and her brother-in-law had tragically been among the victims.
The attacks in January had, however twisted and heinous, a certain logic to them. They attacked the principles of freedom of speech and an ethnic group they despised. This time is different. It was an attack on a whole society and a way of life. I fear it will never feel the same again. I hope I am wrong.The attacks in January had, however twisted and heinous, a certain logic to them. They attacked the principles of freedom of speech and an ethnic group they despised. This time is different. It was an attack on a whole society and a way of life. I fear it will never feel the same again. I hope I am wrong.
A random guy making the effile tower peace sign out of candles at Republique last night.A random guy making the effile tower peace sign out of candles at Republique last night.
I'm American. Lived in France for a while. It seems really sad here now, everyone is scared as shit when ambulance or anything drives by. Everyone's paranoid, and having a hard time sleeping.I'm American. Lived in France for a while. It seems really sad here now, everyone is scared as shit when ambulance or anything drives by. Everyone's paranoid, and having a hard time sleeping.
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By Adama KanuBy Adama Kanu
16 November 2015, 15:0316 November 2015, 15:03
Anonymous: ‘We feel the solidarity from abroad and it feels good but there is too many questions in the air for serenity’ Anonymous: ‘We feel the solidarity from abroad and it feels good but there are too many questions in the air for serenity’
Saturday was the quietest day I lived through. I went out to see family and friends because you have to go out of the house. Saturday was the quietest day I have lived through. I went out to see family and friends because you have to go out of the house.
Very very few people were driving around, in the metro and in the streets but everybody was calm and you could feel the sadness. Very few people were driving around, in the metro and in the streets, but everybody was calm and you could feel the sadness.
On Sunday morning I went for a run in a park near my house and it was sunny and cheerful, kids playing, people on the loan and all On Sunday morning I went for a run in a park near my house and it was sunny and cheerful, kids playing, people on the lawn.
In the evening I went to Place de la république and near the Bataclan and it felt good and peaceful until we got stuck in the middle of the panic wave in the Marais. In the evening I went to Place de la République and near the Bataclan and it felt good and peaceful until we got stuck in the middle of the panic wave in the Marais.
I ran in the streets with my friend and we got into the closest building we could find. A guy, also afraid by the noises in the street,was holding the door open for the passersby. We were 10 people in the courtyard, speculating. Some people from the building let us in their flat, gave us drinks and we saw on the news that it was just a false alarm. Everybody went home, but I think we all were a little stressed out but didn’t want to show it. I was driving home and I felt like everybody in the streets was weird and menacing. I ran in the streets with my friend and we got into the closest building we could find. A guy, also afraid by the noises in the street, was holding the door open for the passersby. We were 10 people in the courtyard, speculating. Some people from the building let us in their flat, gave us drinks and we saw on the news that it was just a false alarm. Everybody went home, but I think we all were a little stressed out but didn’t want to show it. I was driving home and I felt like everybody in the streets was weird and menacing.
This episode was not very scary in retrospect but it shows the tension that everybody is feeling and the fact that we are ready to believe any tragic news.This episode was not very scary in retrospect but it shows the tension that everybody is feeling and the fact that we are ready to believe any tragic news.
But on Monday, it felt like life was normal again - I even got a phone call just before noon - when everybody had to stand silent - but I didn’t answer it.But on Monday, it felt like life was normal again - I even got a phone call just before noon - when everybody had to stand silent - but I didn’t answer it.
Despite this façade of normality, everybody is only thinking about the past events and we do talk a lot about it. We feel the solidarity from abroad and it feels good but there are too many questions in the air for serenity, every new bit of information is dissected at the coffee machine.Despite this façade of normality, everybody is only thinking about the past events and we do talk a lot about it. We feel the solidarity from abroad and it feels good but there are too many questions in the air for serenity, every new bit of information is dissected at the coffee machine.
I do feel some despair because of the difficulty of the situation - so many issues, so many different interests, so many bad political decisions in the past.I do feel some despair because of the difficulty of the situation - so many issues, so many different interests, so many bad political decisions in the past.
What’s the future for us ? Marine Le Pen ? More attacks ? Less poverty and exclusion, the end of the banlieues ? What’s the future for us ? Marine Le Pen ? More attacks ? Less poverty and exclusion, the end of the banlieues?
My only hope for the immediate future is a march soon, as impressive and healing as in January . The mood is very different from what we felt in January, and I don’t really know why. With every new piece of information, a lot of people are tense but other people feel a kind of resignation and stopped following the news, in order to find some peace and concentrate on something else. My only hope for the immediate future is a march soon, as impressive and healing as in January. The mood is very different from what we felt in January, and I don’t really know why. With every new piece of information, a lot of people are tense but other people feel a kind of resignation and stopped following the news, in order to find some peace and concentrate on something else.
I don’t know if my words are of any interest, I feel they are quite ordinary and it must be the same feeling everytime these attacks occurs – in Lebanon, Tunisia, Egypt, Israel, UK, US...I don’t know if my words are of any interest, I feel they are quite ordinary and it must be the same feeling everytime these attacks occurs – in Lebanon, Tunisia, Egypt, Israel, UK, US...
As we say, life goes on, but if one thing is sure, is that today Paris was still Paris, people didn’t change in a weekend, you are welcome to visit us, we’ll be happy to greet you with our legendary warmth and good mood! As we say, life goes on, but if one thing is sure, it is that today Paris was still Paris, people didn’t change in a weekend, you are welcome to visit us, we’ll be happy to greet you with our legendary warmth and good mood!
Neomal: ‘Last weekend was easily the most difficult weekend that I have lived through in Paris’Neomal: ‘Last weekend was easily the most difficult weekend that I have lived through in Paris’
Saturday morning 9am: Paris was overcast, sombre, and eerily-quiet, from within a neighbourhood - the Marais - that is normally rammed with locals and tourists alike. I walked out onto my 5th floor balcony at about 9:30am and could see two different people on their own balconies in the building opposite, one looking down towards the street, the other talking anxiously on a mobile phone. There were few people on the street below. Saturday morning 9am: Paris was overcast, sombre, and eerily quiet, from within a neighbourhood - the Marais - that is normally rammed with locals and tourists alike. I walked out onto my 5th floor balcony at about 9:30am and could see two different people on their own balconies in the building opposite, one looking down towards the street, the other talking anxiously on a mobile phone. There were few people on the street below.
A little later, I popped into my local tapas place on Rue de Roi Sicile. I know the owner well, as I’ve frequented the restaurant since they first opened. The place is normally rammed with people. Yet that evening - a Saturday evening - there were only two couples there, both tourists.A little later, I popped into my local tapas place on Rue de Roi Sicile. I know the owner well, as I’ve frequented the restaurant since they first opened. The place is normally rammed with people. Yet that evening - a Saturday evening - there were only two couples there, both tourists.
“Unlike Parisians, the tourists have no choice”, the owner said, “...many are in hotels, so they have to eat out”. “Unlike Parisians, the tourists have no choice,” the owner said, “...many are in hotels, so they have to eat out”.
She told me how her waiter, who lives directly above the restaurant, provided refuge to Friday night’s customers until 3am in his apartment: the French customers had heard rumours that grenades were being thrown, and were too petrified to head through Paris to get home. She showed me threads on Facebook with her smartphone, threads from friends of her friends – by parents and friends who had posted pictures of a loved one, with a plea for some news as to their whereabouts. She scrolled downwards on some of those threads pointing out a lot of “we are praying for you, all the best” type comments... but further down, on two of the threads, the last few comments were “tout mes condoleances”. That was tough. Neither she nor I said much. She shook her head saying “c’etait que des jeunes. Ils ont tués des jeunes”.She told me how her waiter, who lives directly above the restaurant, provided refuge to Friday night’s customers until 3am in his apartment: the French customers had heard rumours that grenades were being thrown, and were too petrified to head through Paris to get home. She showed me threads on Facebook with her smartphone, threads from friends of her friends – by parents and friends who had posted pictures of a loved one, with a plea for some news as to their whereabouts. She scrolled downwards on some of those threads pointing out a lot of “we are praying for you, all the best” type comments... but further down, on two of the threads, the last few comments were “tout mes condoleances”. That was tough. Neither she nor I said much. She shook her head saying “c’etait que des jeunes. Ils ont tués des jeunes”.
Sunday felt a little better. Not much, but enough at least for many, including myself, to head out and pay our respects in the targeted spots around Republique. Those areas were packed with people. Young and old. Parents with their children. I grabbed some lunch at a restaurant that I often dine at in the 10th arrondissement. That restaurant does huge business on the weekends, especially on weekends, but the place was sparse that day, and the manager told me that “c’est pas comme le 11 janvier - this time, they hit restaurants, so we fear that customers might stay away for some time”. Sunday felt a little better. Not much, but enough at least for many, including myself, to head out and pay our respects in the targeted spots around Place de la Republique. Those areas were packed with people. Young and old. Parents with their children. I grabbed some lunch at a restaurant that I often dine at in the 10th arrondissement. That restaurant does huge business on the weekends, but the place was sparse that day, and the manager told me that “c’est pas comme le 11 janvier - this time, they hit restaurants, so we fear that customers might stay away for some time”.
I tried to enter the Notre Dame memorial service but, as was the case for most people, found myself in the forecourt instead. I ate some dinner in the Latin Quarter, paid the bill, and was then told by the waitress that they are warning all of their customers who are leaving at the moment that they ought to avoid Hotel de Ville and Republique. We could not quite believe it. This surely can’t be! Another attack? As I look back, I realise that I switched on autopilot in that instance, putting bracketing my fears for the moment, and instead picking an appropriate path home and taking it; it was only when home that the fear and anxiety kicked in. I could actually taste it; acidity on the tongue, coupled with a tightening around the stomach. I tried to enter the Notre Dame memorial service but, as was the case for most people, found myself in the forecourt instead. I ate some dinner in the Latin Quarter, paid the bill, and was then told by the waitress that they are warning all their customers who are leaving at the moment that they ought to avoid Hotel de Ville and Republique. We could not quite believe it. This surely can’t be! Another attack? As I look back, I realise that I switched on autopilot in that instance, bracketing my fears for the moment, and instead picking an appropriate path home and taking it; it was only when home that the fear and anxiety kicked in. I could actually taste it; acidity on the tongue, coupled with a tightening around the stomach.
My girlfriend was in London on the weekend. Bitter sweet: glad she did not have to go through it, but would have been a little less difficult for me had she been with me. Last weekend was easily the most difficult weekend that I have lived through in Paris. I first moved here in 1998. My girlfriend was in London for the weekend. Bitter sweet: glad she did not have to go through it, but would have been a little less difficult for me had she been with me. Last weekend was easily the most difficult weekend that I have lived through in Paris. I first moved here in 1998.