It’s been just over a year since we bundled up against a Parisian winter chill and stepped onto the deck of a Seine River cruise boat. The sky was a canvas of fading blues and pinks, the kind that only winter sunsets seem to conjure. As we glided past the city’s iconic landmarks – the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre – a sense of warmth and wonder filled me. It was one of those travel moments that sear themselves into your memory, a perfect marriage of place and time.
The Seine, with its gentle currents and historic bridges, has always been Paris’ lifeblood. It’s a place of romance, reflection, and yes, even protest. The recent news of a planned “mass defecation” event in the river, in protest of the 2024 Olympics cleanup project, has left me with mixed feelings.
On the one hand, I understand the frustration. The exorbitant cost of the cleanup has raised eyebrows, and the idea of prioritizing pristine waters for an international event over other pressing issues can feel jarring. The Seine, after all, is a working river, a vital part of the city’s infrastructure, not just a backdrop for photo ops.
But on the other hand, the planned protest feels…disappointing. I can’t help but think back to that magical winter evening, the feeling of serenity as we watched the city lights twinkle against the water. To taint that beauty with such a drastic action seems a shame. Surely there are other ways to voice dissent, ways that don’t involve sullying a shared space, a space that holds so many memories for so many people.
Of course, I’m not one to judge. Everyone is entitled to their own form of expression, and my opinion is just a drop in the Seine, so to speak. But as I watch this story unfold from afar, I can’t help but feel a pang of sadness. I hope that whatever happens, the spirit of the river – its history, its charm, its ability to inspire – will endure. The Seine, like any great river, has seen its share of triumphs and tragedies, of beauty and ugliness. It’s a reflection of the city itself, a complex, ever-evolving tapestry. And while I may not agree with every action taken on its waters, I will always cherish the memories I’ve made there. Because in the end, it’s those moments of connection, of joy, of simple awe, that truly matter. And those, thankfully, are immune to any protest.
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