Science and Rugby

We made on last trip into Paris this last weekend. It was actually to complete a school project, which required a visit to an informal science institution (ISI), so I planned a trip there with one of my classmates who happens to be another expatriate living in Paris. The Paris science museum is massive. It is a large three story complex, with a submarine and geodesic IMAX dome as separate structures on the grounds. It is easily the largest science center I have ever visited. There were exhibits on genetics, orchids, automobiles, energy, light, the space sciences- you name it. Two large children’s centers within the building alone were rather large. My classmate Elizabeth and I were able to get our research completed. Judi met up with us later after she did some shopping at the huge mall at the south end of Paris.

The other significant even of this trip, after our dinner in the Latin Quarter, was the rugby grudge match between France and England in the semi-finals. We were actually unaware that this rugby game was to take place in Paris, but on Saturday evening there was no question that the air was crackling with energy. Blue, white, and red face paint abounded, as did capes of the colors of France and banners of France and the team. We tried to get into a British pub to meet up with Elizabeth, but every pub was already packed and there were three times as many people in the streets as there were indoors. The streets themselves turned into a rowdy party zone. Large monitors broadcasting the game were swarmed by thousands. In most places when French icons came on the screen the crowd cheered, and when England came on the crowd jeered. The exception were the few English pubs that displayed the colors of England openly (all of the pubs were actually very clearly labeled by either a French or English false façade). I noticed the Irish pubs threw their lot in with France.

We soaked in the energy for a little while, chatted with some Brits on the street who couldn’t get in anywhere either, and eventually made our way back to the hotel where we watched the game in the hotel. I was downstairs during the latter half of the game, where a mob of South Africans, Aussies, Kiwis, and two other San Diegans were watching the game. (By sheer coincidence there were two San Diegans, separately, staying in the hotel and watching the game. We were the only Americans there). An Australian narrated and let me in on what the heck was going on. All but the one Briton in the room were cheering for the French, because they believed the English team to be thoroughly arrogant, plus well- you know how it is with former British colonies. The French narrowly lost, much to the dismay of all of the French people and team former-British-colony. It was an energetic night.