La Greve!!!

That means strike in France and that is what the trains are currently doing. Yesterday, that is Thursday, so were many energy employees as well as, It came at the perfect time. Just as the Rugby World Cup is culminating in its 2 final matches, Sarkozy announced his divorce and the first weekend I was going to leave Dijon in a month. Yes, the French know how to pick 'em. The strike of Thursday has been called off my half of the rail workers but less than 1/3 of all French trains are running. However, it may resume next Monday, depending on how negotiations go. So, it's also just in time for my mom and Heidi to visit.

Most of you are probably saying that the French are famous for their strikes or thinking why the hell did Sarah decide to go there (dad), but it really is a fascinating part of their culture. They strike often and usually they get what they want. It's quite incredible. In case any of you don't know what the strike is about, it is over their pension plans. Half of France still has the right to retire at 50 with full benefits, while the other half, is struggling to get to work and must work an extra few years to retire with a full pension. This is known as Sarkozy's first test and frankly, I hope that he wins because well I believe that everyone should have a right to a long and healthy retirement, it is sometimes necessary to compromise a little bit. Plus, the conservativeness of Dijon is getting to me a little bit and I think they need accept that the world is changing and with that France must change, just a little.

So yah, I'm getting a little antsy here in Dijon. It is quite a closed conservative city and while its beauty and other charms and can make up for part of that, it is still difficult to be here all of the time. It is so French (and with the strike) even more so that