On a less-national level, this is just extremely inconvenient. (Almost as much as trying to print in the library here. Today, there was one working printer, only about six computers from which you could print, and it requires about seven steps.) Walking is looking like my best bet to get to class tomorrow, for which I'm giving myself at least an hour and a half. It's only about two and a half miles, but I've only ever gone underground, so there will be many stops to check the map. We were supposed to have a Halloween party this evening (yes, very early) but had to take a raincheck. Though getting back is always tricky, given how early the metro shuts down at night normally, it would have been a pain getting there as well. A trip to visit the Chateau Malmaison on Friday for class is in question now, dependent on how long this goes on.
The professors don't think it will last terribly long - unlikely that it will be another 1995. What has amazed me is how in-stride all the French have been taking this. Evidently, from what I've heard and read, they tend to take these as part of the normal relations between the state and various sectors, putting up with the inconvenience for the sake of right, activism, and the like. I doubt I'll be as magnanimous as I'm wandering my way up the Boulevard Raspail tomorrow morning. Also, seeing as this isn't New York, I'm doubting there will be tee-shirts celebrating our survival once it's all over.
I'll give you updates as this goes along. Hopefully it's short and doesn't cause too much trouble for my weekend plans.
