On July 14th, 1789, the culmination of French lower class frustration prompted the declaration of independence from the monarchy and the storming of the Bastille. The Bastille was a fortress and prison, thus giving today the title of Bastille Day. 1789 was the era of Marie Antoinette and King Louis XVI, who were very much hated by their people. I used to think they were guillotined on this actual day, but turns out they fled to Versaille and weren't beheaded for another few years. So Vive la France and Vive Marie! I also used to think of Marie Antoinette as a spoiled rotten woman, and didn't fancy her very much (because who tells poor people to eat cake if they're hungry). But if you look into her history, you'll find the story of a young girl taken from her homeland (Austria), shipped off to France to marry some old creepy guy, have a very public sex life (Hall of Mirrors), and be likable? All at the age of 13-14? I'd be pretty sassy too...
Today, the French celebrate Le quatorze de Juillet by starting the morning with a large military parade down Champs Elysee, and end it with a firework show and concert at the Eiffel tower. In between, there are celebrations all along the country, and red, white, and blue are painted across the streets (metaphorically).
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| Claude Monet - 1878 |
I slipped on a vintage pink Marc Jacobs dress that I've been saving for today and set out for a good day. Mr. Parker had me booked from 6pm on, so I spent the afternoon at the foot of my favorite bridge in the city, the Bae<3 Bridge. As nice as my few hours solo were, I will admit that I was looking forward to celebrating with Mr.P and my friends this upcoming weekend. Some things just feel like they're meant to be spent with people you love.
Not knowing what he had planned for the night, Mr.Parker walked me into his house through the back way (along Balmy Alley: very cool), and opened the gate to a beautiful outdoor dinner. With a gasp on the tip of my tongue and slightly teary eyes, I observed the decorated ensemble he had set up. There were twinkly lights and candles; a bouquet of beautiful flowers, a little cup with cigarettes in them, wine, and breakfast food on the way. :-) We had omelettes, bacon, and orange juice. I couldn't have planned a better dinner myself.
We sat next to each other as I prefer and exchanged kind words and kisses, and he gave me a very thoughtful gift on top of this all. Who's the spoiled girl now, Marie?!
However, throughout the night something was a little off... For example, Mr.Parker wasn't allowing me inside the house! This infuriated my curious side, and I instantly had to pee really bad... With his guidance, I searched through the house for a secret hidden Vespa gift (lol), but instead walked into the living room and was completely surprised by one of my best friends!
She had driven all day from LA to come spend the weekend with me and coordinated the surprise with him. I was a complete mess the instant I saw her; bursting into tears and bear hugging which quickly led to bear collapsing on the couch. Ahhhh I'm excited now just looking back on it haha.
My birthday night ended with all three of us squeezing into a little electric car and driving around the city. This one-of-a-kind, butterfly doors, two-seater, was rented by Mr.P through Scoot! It's an awesome little company that lets you rent vespas and cars throughout San Francisco, and then just drop them off when you're done using them. Great way to see the city!
We snuck into a 21+ Bastille Day party, then got kicked out by the end of the song. Still worth it though!
The clock struck midnight, and we ended up back at the foot of the Bay Bridge. It's lights were twinkling and I was filled with such excitement for this weekend and this next year. It was a fantastic birthday and Bastille Day, I must say.
Cheers to 19, Vive La Me!
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