Mugged in Paris; and I don't even smoke!

Pompidou (daytime.)


Entrance to Pompidou (night) taken from inside Pompidou window.

So, yesterday. Valentine's Day. Beautiful, as described and am floating around on "cloud 9" in a state of bliss. After an early evening nap I decide to head to the Pompidou because it is open until 9:00 pm. You may know, the building itself is spectacular. It is freakishly wonderful and unique. I took several photos of the outside a few days ago while I was just walking by (none here yet, but there will be soon) and at night it is lit up and looks great so I decided that I should have a few "night photos" as well and would take a few before entering. I walk to the outermost corner of the "square" which lays out in front of the Museum. It's a very large concrete area that inclines away from the building and runs the entire width of the structure. I go to the outermost corner because I want to get as much of the building in the photo as possible. Well, as I approach the outermost area it is deserted and very dimly lit. In my "blissful floating state" I fail to notice a large Arab looking guy leaning against a low concrete wall. With camera in hand I excitedly gear up to take a photo, when the "Arabian Hulk" lunges toward me, grabs me by around the neck and starts yelling something in French. In my horror I start to yell, to scream, LOUDLY, bloodcurdling screams that bounce and echo off of the huge concrete yard and building. He's got me by the throat (or coat collar) and no one does a thing. I am screaming like a madman, and not a soul even moves or blinks an eye. Finally, after not relenting with my yelling, he shoves me away and mumbles something under his breath. I begin to move away, and as I glance back toward him, he starts running toward me AGAIN! He grabs me and starts yelling about wanting a CIGARETTE! I swear to God, he's yelling about a cigarette, grabbing me by the collar and SCREAMING at me to give him a cigarette (in French, of course.) This time, I look him straight in the eye and with all I can muster start screaming right into his face. It's now become a SCREAMING MATCH, and I am not about to be one-upped. You can probably beat the sh*t outta me, but don't even try to out-yell me. He shoves me away again. And mumbles something while sauntering back to his "Pompidou mugging perch." Finally he gives up on me. I make my way down the concrete yard and into the Pompidou to enjoy a wonderful evening of art! Do I STILL consider it my "best Valentine's Day ever???" (Another unexpected surprise! Hahaha!!!)

P.S.- Except for a little raw throat from all that screaming I am unharmed, and he didn't get one red cent (euro), nor a cigarette outta me. Of course he's strangling the ONE person in Paris who doesn't smoke! If I had only known how to say "Sorry, I don't smoke" in French I could of saved him the energy.


Here is a photo of "the cigarette mugger." I took this though the window when I got inside.
You can see his shadowy figure leaning against the cement wall under the street lamp. (Not a good picture of him, makes his butt look big.)