Strikes

The RATP is the main transit authority in Paris.  Please, say the letters, as the name is not supposed to tell you how the metro smells.


Paris has an awesome public transportation system.  The trains are frequent and stops are close.  The interconnected trains are reasonably fast for how often they run.


When they are running normally.


Every now and then, though, the RATP likes to make you late for things. Also known as going on strike.


Over the last year, it seems there is little reason to strike.  There is no direct correlation between action and cause.  Employment grievance?  Unsafe working conditions?  Thankfully, though numerous, the strikes were “mini” in nature.  Not complete shut downs, just minor inconveniences.  Less trains, more crowding, but otherwise not increasing travel time by too much.


But still, very often, the strike seemed for the sake of having a strike – until the most recent set of grievances.


France has a guaranteed retirement age.  This age for RATP workers is currently 60.  The government of France has noticed, however, that like the rest of the world, people in France are living longer.  This is in spite of its inhabitants continued love of cigarettes.


So the government is pushing to save some money by pushing the retirement age past 60.  And by save money, it means not go bankrupt.


One may need a vivid imagination, but can you imagine working past 60?


Horrible.


So the RATP strikes, angering commuters and tourists alike.  Somehow this does not seem to be making France any more able to afford people living well past 80.


So unless a new source of revenue is discovered, or the government reverses all anti-smoking measures, they might have to accept the retirement age of 62.


Until that happens, the rest of us might have to accept alternate routes.

Top of the Galeries Lafayette

A quest to eat well requires one of two things.  Knowledge about food, or finding someone who knows about food.  Or more importantly, where to find food.


This takes research.  Good food does not always advertise.  Sometimes like a Marvel vigilante, it hides aloof on the rooftops gazing at the city.


And as luck has its whims, not only was it a great view, but also some great food.


Each summer, the Galleries Lafayette opens a restaurant on its roof.  Since it is taller than most of its surroundings, the view is spectacular.  You get a clear view of the skyline as well as a rare view of the Opera – a building decadent even from behind.

To compliment, the food was great.  At standard Paris pricing, the Japanese/French fusion was interesting while still appetizing.  The weather was cooperative as well, making for a great afternoon meal.


If you ever get a chance, the top of this world famous mall is well worth the ascent.