The Seine on Bastille Day: Beautiful Fireworks, Patriotic Reverence and 800,000 Drunk Teenagers

It was an enlightening and encouraging event in my life, to be able to see how another country celebrated its independence. I have never been to the 4th of July celebration in Washington, D.C., so I cannot accurately compare the two holidays. But from my own personal experience, it was a welcome change from the gun toting, flag-brandishing nonsense I have seen in my own country. I love the U.S.A. so much. But sometimes I wish we could stand respectfully as a people and shut up for a second to appreciate what we have in the way of freedom, instead of “shotgunning” a Miller Highlife and blathering about secession (200 some odd years later). The scene was nothing short of magnificent as fireworks illuminated the sky to the sounds of John Williams compositions among others. Most of the crowd stood and watched the display without screaming, cursing or inciting riot, pausing only to cheer after a musical numbers had finished. Such patience I had not expected from such a large mass of people. This is sure to be one of my most distinctive memories of my stay in Paris. I had a perfect view as I was situated quite close to the Eiffel Tower and didn’t miss a second of the blossoming pyrotechnics. I think this was the night I took the most photos, but I will only give you the pleasure of seeing one of them.