The Music Hall In Paris

Before leaving London, I wanted the opportunity to visit Paris, France - the most fascinating city in the world.

March in Paris was just as wonderful as 'April in Paris' - You are probably too young to remember the Song "April In Paris." 

So, in 1956, March found us in Paris.

At that time, Paris was not overran by tourists.

It was a bit cold, but it did not deter the group of us -  Syd, Fung, Dorcas, and I. We made arrangements to stay at the Cite Internationale Universitaire de Paris for the week. We wanted to experience life in Paris as students, besides it was Cheap (may be I should say, more affordable).

We stayed in the dorms and had our meals in the cafeteria, where they served wine instead of milk with your food, even at lunchtime. Wine was included in the meal, but you had to pay Extra if you wanted milk. What do you think of that?

We met some Chinese students and an attache from the Chinese Consulate, Mr. Lon. Since they all spoke French, they offered to act as our guides. We jumped at the chance. It couldn't have been a better arrangement for us.

We learned to travel on the metro,
   wandered around the River Seine,  
   walked on the many bridges over the Seine, 
   explored the intriguing back streets,
   tasted delicious French food,
   rode the buses,  
   did a lot of window shopping,
And, a little actual shopping.

The thing I remembered most was the fact that at a lot of places, I would turn a corner and there would be some absolutely lovely sculptures and/or fountains by unknown artists. 
They took my breath away.

We even made a trip out to Versailles - Louis XIV's court. What a magnificent Gate! And the famous Mirrored Hall where they held Dances. Can you imagine, when all the giant chandeliers were lit, the orchestra was playing, the bejeweled ladies in their shimmering silk gowns whirling . . . all this reflected from the many wall-to-ceiling mirrors in this huge Hall? What a Sight!

Our new found friends took us to many of the famous sites:
 - The Bibliotheque Nationale de France, since Syd and Dorcas were studying Library Science.

Then,they took us to:
 - The Eiffel Tower,
 - Norte Dame Cathedral,
 - Napoleon's tomb,
 - Arc de Triomphe.
 - Place de la Concorde,
 - Tuileries Garden,
 - Champs Ellysees,
 - Pantheon,
 - The Louvre,
 - The Basilique de Sacre Coeur in Montmatre,
and, to
- a MUSIC HALL in Montparnasse.

I saw my First Strip-tease's Show!

Being unfamiliar with Paris, we did not know what a Music Hall was. And, when our Paris friends asked if we would like to go to a Music Hall. We said, "Yes." The Music Hall was close to Moulin Rouge.
I happened to be sitting next to Mr. Lon. (He probably did that on purpose.)
It was definitely awkward.

Actually, it was a kind of Vaudeville Show. There were short acts of song and dance and slapstick turns. The strip shows were very well done. The costumes were stunning. And the girls were gorgeous! 

So much for us Country Bumpkins from HK. And we thought we were sophisticated?

                                                                    Versailles - Gate

                                                                Versailles - interior

                                                                  Paris - side street

                                                             Basilique de Sacre Coeur

                                                                  Arc de Triomphe