I took this photo of a worker in Paris in his distinctive uniform, and thought it would be appropriate to post today as France is in the midst of strikes and protests. From afar we only know what the news reports tell us, and it is hard to gauge the impact on daily life and neighborhoods.
Wishing the best for my friends in all of France.
24 comments:
You know, these uniforms are just about the only thing I really don't like about Paris now---too gaudy! And those brooms.....I want the twig brooms back....with those towels that help steer the water...I think they're still there, though.
This is one of the aspects of Paris that has always impressed me. They are serious about keeping the streets clean. An army of cleaners appear every afternoon at the same time. Not to mention the fellows driving vacuums of one description or another and those guys on motorcycles whose only job is to vacuum up after dogs.
If I lived in Paris I'd apply for a job driving one of those vacuum up and down the Champs Elysee.
We all need help in "cleaning up our act," Genie. In Paris, they do it with some apparent distinctiveness. Good public relations in those uniforms.
Merci.
I love the colour co-ordination ~ to be expected in Paris, I guess! I hope the troubles are resolved soon ~ it's looking rather grim at the moment.
Bonjour Genie,
apparently there are some serious blockages..petrol stations without petrol..oh well, you know French people are so dearly attached to what we call "acquis sociaux", we're on strike for anything. What comes a bit of a surprise is how the social movement has deviated and hardened, especially in young people. It's one thing to protest against the retirement law and another thing to burn cars or smash shop windows.
Hope things will smooth out...
Bonne journée ! :-)
Lala
A very appropriate photo for the moment. Hoping for things to calm down in time for your planned travels.
And wouldn't W look so cute in a green outfit with his green broom! :)
I love the little green men too. I'm not sure those brooms do much good but hey, they're out there bustin it all day long!
V
Bibi,
I forgot about the rugs in the gutters. Now THAT grosses me out.
V
Nice city image. You have to admire the french if they don't like something they let you know. Us british just sit back and take it.
France is always in the middle of strikes and protests, lol! XX!
non gréviste ?
Bibi -- The first time I saw them it surprised me and I wondered if "real men" had any problem with the bright color. But, as the saying goes, real men don't worry about such things and there are plenty of real men in France!
Wayne -- It is impressive, particularly when you consider the condition of many big-city streets. I have only seen your lovely profile photo, but imagine that you would look just fine in the uniforms.
Bear -- It is good to see the system at work and the virtual army of workers in Paris.
Shell -- In looking at the reports today, there has not been an escalation of the strikes and some say that the transportation in Paris is working well.
Lala -- I have heard reports of some vandalism in areas outside of Paris (other areas of France) but hopefully that type of demonstration is waning. Most of the protests in France are very civilized.
M -- Yes, I am thinking about that and hoping (selfishly) for the best.
Virginia -- Yes, Wayne will look fine in his uniform driving that vacuum truck...
Picturit -- I think that their very proper way of protesting is quite appropriate and we could all learn something from that.
Shari -- You are right but I am hoping that on my next trip that everyone is "happy and content."
Bergson -- Je n'ai pas vu aucun de ces grévistes à ce moment-la.
Hi Genie. So someone is actually working in France today? !! Double pay I hope *s*
Yes, these guys often brighten up the cityscape and make for funny photos, and sometimes they totally mess them up! But at least they're still working... for the time being. Things get pretty unpleasant pretty quickly when they don't. It's amazing how quickly the stations turn into rubbish tips when these guys hang up their brooms.
Gringo -- Yes, but there are conflicting reports as to whether it is better today or not. I think the point of view may relate to how close you might be to a trash pile that has not been "serviced."
Sab -- I agree, and it probably smells like "stinky cheese" in the summer and warmer months!
In Paris, anyway, the strikes aren't so bad because the Metros are running at capacity. Thanks goodness I'm one of the lucky ones that doesn't have a car, so I don't have to worry about the gas shortage.
Bonjour Genie- this photo made me smile - so... very green in every way. How very professional the French are about keeping their street clean.
Have a beautiful week-end
~Dianne~
I can remember getting up in the wee hours and seeing the street sweepers out in force—with their (I'm with Bibi here) twig brooms (held together with twine, not plastic). Very fitting picture for right now, Genie.
Nice capture Genie. I hope it all comes to good resolution for everyone soon.
He looks like he's on strike already, LOL. I would hate to see that happen in my town. I can't imagine how life would almost come to a standstill.
Liz
Paul -- Knowing what one would have to pay to store a car and park it, you are indeed "lucky"!
Dianne -- I wonder how they selected two shades of green!
Alexa -- Virginia and I were talking today about the brooms and the "yukky carpets" in the gutters... just all very different.
Randy -- Merci!
Liz -- We would not even make it a week in my neighborhood!
Bon weekend!!
I don't think these guys are striking because I saw one just yesterday sweeping a street gutter.
This really is a ubiquitous Paris scene...only in France! Love it! I have mixed feelings about the strikes. I am somewhat amused by the feelings of entitlement, and cannot fathom their reasons for resisting. On the other hand, I admire their action when they feel oppressed. I fondly remember the marches during the Vietnam era, and often wish that we could find the same kind of action here in the US. Too bad there is always an element of violence present.
Starman -- Thank you for our on-site report! Hope you are enjoying yourself.
Kate -- For the most part the French are very orderly in their protests. The news reports have consistently pointed to two incidents, but I guess that is what makes for sensational news.
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