Paris Bleus

With all Paris seeing Bleu, summer has gotten even hotter than usual. After the stunning 1-0 victory over Brazil on Saturday the French capital went, well, completely nuts. Only the most resolute scrooge can resist a city in the throes of a sporting victory and in Paris, the joie de vivre is especially intoxicating.

Voilà five ways to join the madness during Wednesday night's game against Portugal.

1. SHOW YOUR COLORS
   
   These tourists on the Boulevard St. Germain have the right idea. You don't need to buy a Zidane jersey (they're all sold out anyway) to show your allegiance. Toss on some blue and hit the road. Word to the wise: leave red clothing items at home. Unless, of course, you're rooting for Portugal in which case you might consider staying home yourself. And locking the door.
   
   
2. SING A SONG
   
   The French fight song goes like this: Allez, allez, allez, allez. Allez. Les Bleus. It is much easier than, say, the Fly, Eagles, Fly song or Take Me Out To The Ball Game. Learn it.
   
   
3. FLY A FLAG
   
   You may have spent hours with your beret-wearing, Gauloises-smoking friends in some Left-Bank café discussing the appalling flag-flying habits of nationalistic Americans, but do not be fooled. Just because the French do not use the tri-color to decorate their suburban homes does not mean they do not have one at the ready for important events such as sending the Brazilians packing. Buy or steal a flag and display it prominently.
   
   On the photo: Our Portuguese neighbors have the right idea. Just the wrong country.
   
   
4. MAKE SOME NOISE
   
   A Bleu victory is not the time to practice "fitting in" by pursing your lips and whispering in the sultriest French you can muster. If "fitting in" is a goal (GO-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-AL!!!!) then begin by making some serious noise. Car horns are the best, followed closely by scooter horns. If you are on a bike, ring your bell. If all else fails, use your god-given voice. A popular Parisian victory yell seems to be, "Qui veut coucher avec moi?" (Who wants to sleep with me?). Or a variation on same.
   
   
5. GET LIT
   
   Not drunk. That goes without saying. Get lit. Christmas decorations, sparklers, flashlights, candles: if it twinkles it's fair game.

Posted by Hillary in Paris on 04/Jul/2006

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