So far, I’ve crossed two borders: from Germany to Belgium and from Belgium to France.
I have to say, I love the idea of Europe and the Schengen Agreement. Basically, you don’t even notice when you hop from one country to the next. However, I’ve been relentlessly followed by the song 99 Luftballons by Nena in every single bar since then – whether in Belgium or France.
Arriving in Paris, I find that what everyone told me beforehand is true: driving here is difficult! I still do it and don’t regret it. Or let’s say, not yet. I’ve decided not to get a parking ticket. Parking on the street in Belleville for six hours costs €50.
I’m planning to stay here at least from Friday to Sunday afternoon, and I don’t want – or rather can’t afford – to pay these amounts. So I’m gambling and curious to see if I might even get away cheaper with a parking fine.
From Rue de Belleville, while looking for a parking spot, I discover a small, unassuming pizza shack on a side street called Mercure. A duo is playing jazz, and the place feels more like a bar where pizza magically appears from somewhere in the back. It looks like a club – something between punk rock and art. The owner catches my attention; he doesn’t say much but somehow exudes warmth.
I muster up the courage to ask him, with my limited French, if I could perform here tomorrow.
Saturday, 8 PM – it is!
The owner’s name is Kamille, and if I understood him correctly, he’s friends with the artist Thomas Ott. And Iggy Pop has also been here – or did he maybe even play here once?
