Tear Gas, Riot Police & Corona Fears

Thursday 2 April 2020

It was still dark when I got up. The sky was a deep shade of blue; below it the warm glow of lights welcomed people onto the streets, but so far no one had taken up their offer.

Having spent countless pre-dawn hours in bed, trying in vain to redescend into the abyss of sleep, this morning I decided to take a different tack and got up at 6. I went out and took photos of the Paris skyline, then left the apartment and took some more from the level eight balcony. This was the first time I’d been outside at such an early hour, and it was nice to feel fresh air on my face once again.

While I was taking photos, a black crow perched itself on the roof of a neighbouring building. It was looking out at the view, like a superhero surveying the city. If we ever wanted to know who would watch the watchmen, we now had the answer.

The confinement has now been going on for over a fortnight, and it’s slowing starting to drag. Perhaps others are feeling the same way, because I’ve noticed the customary 8pm applause has begun to wane in enthusiasm. When at first it was introduced, applause was cautious and slightly sheepish. Over the next few nights, however, the applause became louder and more confident, as more and more members of the neighbourhood got involved. Now, though, it seems that people have…