"On the steps of this house was born .... Edith Piaf ...." Not really, true as she was born in the hospital up the road but why let reality shine on a great story. She did grow up in Belleville and she sang and spoke the French language of this area, a Parisian Cockney. This language is largely gone.
The suburb today is still strongly working class and populated with immigrants. Also the Parisian avant garde is located here - artists and musicians - attracted by cheaper rents, numerous vacant large spaces and old Paris charm of smaller streets.
Finally the weather has turned cold and wet. Outdoor cafes are shielded by clear plastic walls, the street people have moved residence to live over the metro grates. Heated by the hot air pushed upwards by the trains as they pass below.
1 comment:
Wow Edith is/was a Sag just like me :)
Very much enjoy reading your daily blog and glad you're having a lovely time in gay Paris.
Jerry*
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