PARIS #2
More general observations:

50's French rocker Johnny Halliday is still revered with an homage to him currently being staged.  I note that his ex- and renown ye ye singer Sylvi Vartan continues to tour.

The Paris Marie or mayor has an enormous workforce ranging from armed police (not gendarmes) to garbage men and streetsweepers who keep the city clean. Municipal installations such as fountains all operate efficiently.

Pianos to play are installed at the major railway terminals and you better know your chops if you intend to tinkle the ivories.  I'm continuously impressed.  Maybe France has a troupe of travelling maestros?.

This year's fashion hue is mustard and denim jackets are worn by all including enfants.  Small dogs are de rigeur.

Le Musee national d'art moderne at the Centre Pompidou is fantastic and a must see.  I was particularly taken by the Fauvist artists and their raw passionate perception of life. How French and arty is that!

Oh, and have I mentioned the wasps?