An American in Paris - Olympics Day 1

[Anonymous]

The metro in Paris is, in a word, spectacular. Clean, efficient, easy to use, and the way they've marked everything for the Olympics has made it super easy to get around.

Police are still everywhere, no more automatic machine guns like opening ceremonies last night. But it makes me happy to see them around.

The real stars are the volunteers. They are everywhere and incredibly helpful (all dressed in volunteer Paris 2024 outfits, so easy to spot). They truly make everything run. On the streets, at the entrance to events, within the event venues, everywhere. And some even speak English.

People have been super friendly everywhere we go. Everyone asks where we are from, and when we say Washington DC, it's always, "Ohhhh." Not what I expected based on stereotypical French behavior.

Today we watched a sport for 9 hours (and went 2 hours before it started and just got home), hence the exhaustion. But the athletes, even the superstars, were amazing. They signed autographs, threw items into the stands, and we're generally friendly.

The one and only downside (aside from yesterday's rain - today we were inside), has been the food service options. Expensive, long lines, and really poor, slow service. At US Stadiums, it's expensive, but they have the service down pretty good, and at some stadiums, the food is fantastic. Here, it seems inefficient, unorganized, not very good and super slow. And, you're allowed to bring food into the venues, so that is our plan for tomorrow, rather than wait on long, slow lines for expensive, not very good food.

Overall, a really fun day. More tomorrow night

[Anonymous]

Which sport did you watch?

[Anonymous]

LOL @OP all the parisiens have moved out, let their places and op is talking to tourists

[Anonymous]

This is fun! Thanks for posting this. Which sport?? Can’t wait to hear more.

[Anonymous]

Why are you coy about what sport you saw?

[Anonymous]

OP here - because how many Americans from the dmv are in Paris, at the Olympics at this particular sport today? Hint: not as many as you think. I'd like to stay anonymous

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here - because how many Americans from the dmv are in Paris, at the Olympics at this particular sport today? Hint: not as many as you think. I'd like to stay anonymous

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here - because how many Americans from the dmv are in Paris, at the Olympics at this particular sport today? Hint: not as many as you think. I'd like to stay anonymous

You’re so special.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here - because how many Americans from the dmv are in Paris, at the Olympics at this particular sport today? Hint: not as many as you think. I'd like to stay anonymous

I thought your report was fun and then you went and wrote that. Disappointing.

[Anonymous]

Haha, yeah, they’re so impressed you’re from Washington DC.

I’m guessing swimming. Crazy swim mom-type.

[Anonymous]

I really enjoyed the report!
How long are you there for, OP?
What’s everyone wearing there?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here - because how many Americans from the dmv are in Paris, at the Olympics at this particular sport today? Hint: not as many as you think. I'd like to stay anonymous

My lord with the navel gazing

[Anonymous]

Keep it up, OP. Enjoying your reports!
Who would have thought: bad food in France? But I am imagining the delicious ‘bagged lunch’ you can put together from a cafe or two for your next outing.

[Anonymous]

I enjoyed your report OP.

Are you able to eat from wonderful French bakeries or cheese shops or restaurants?

[Anonymous]

You're so exhausted but not exhausted enough to come here and post a long missive on DCUM? OK.