Election Night

For those of you not living in France (or visiting), you might have missed the news today that Sarkozy, from the conservative party, beat Royal, from the socialist party, and is the president-elect of France. CNN is the only English speaking TV station and since I’m in France, I’ve been watching the coverage now for over two hours. Same speeches, over and over again, can we move on please? Now, Royal had said that riots would break out if Sarkozy won. I, being in Nice, a beautiful coastal city, was obviously naïve to think my little town would be unaffected. It started right after the announcement that Sarkozy won, cars honking their horns, cheers in the street, etc. However, apparently I am currently staying in the center of it all, as a huge crowd gathered right below my balcony on the street, there was a lot of yelling (more women this time so I figured it was an attempt to stop a fight), sure enough fighting started. A few cops showed up and the group began to slowly disperse. Then, the paddywagon showed up and out of all available doors of the van, 10 cops jumped out, batons in hand, ready to kick some ass. They guarded the intersection and when I stuck my head out the balcony, I could see that the dispersed police were finally getting everyone in their cars. There is still a large crowd down the street, gossiping about the recent events I’m sure. I have a feeling I won’t get much sleep tonight. I should have kept the ear plugs. Crazy French.