PARIS: “This way, sir.” A tall, cheerful man greeted me with a big smile outside the Main Press Centre at the Palais des Congres in Porte Maillot. “Which country? Oh, India. Viva India.” He kept smiling and shook my hand before turning serious. “We need to check your bags, please. Phone, wallet, coins out in the tray.” After the familiar security check, my journey towards the Paris 2024 Olympics began.
Inside, the hall on the second floor was bustling with activity. Journalists were busy on their laptops, writing stories, downloading pictures, or chatting over coffee and catching up with old friends. With two days left before the opening ceremony on the Seine, the press center was already packed on Wednesday evening. It was clear that the world had arrived in Paris.
Out in the City of Love, people were slowly realizing that the Olympic Games were happening right there. Charles de Gaulle airport was unexpectedly quiet, but the volunteers were welcoming, and security checks were smooth. My Uber driver, Fawad, was the first person I had a conversation with. A fan of football and basketball with Tunisian and Algerian roots, he was excited about the Games but unsure about the impact on his business.
“Too much security means blocked roads. You will see for yourself soon. Many Parisians have left or are leaving for the city’s outskirts or other towns. I’ve got to make a living, so I am staying put. Paris, I hate your traffic,” he complained. The Zidane fan sighed, “I would love to watch some football.”
The Seine riverfront has been cordoned off over a long stretch, and traffic jams will make the already congested downtown roads even harder to navigate, especially on the day of the opening ceremony.
Our host, Alexandra, wasn’t as fortunate when asked if she would get a paid holiday like many other Parisians over the coming weeks. An artist who teaches contemporary dance, she had moved to her father’s home with her daughter and pet cat after welcoming us.
“No buzz? It may seem like business as usual on the streets, but things will change suddenly. Paris has a vibrant sporting culture. Many of us would love to watch the opening ceremony or see some action in the stadiums but can’t afford the tickets. We will watch it on big screens that will be set up around the city. You’ll be surprised by how quickly the city changes,” she said.
Outside our apartment in Belleville, young boys were playing football in a corner, and another group was shooting hoops on a makeshift basketball court, shouting and laughing in joy. Sports have that effect, bringing unbridled happiness and sometimes pain, whether young or old. We will witness a range of emotions when the Games begin in this historic city.
With only two days until the opening ceremony, anticipation is building. The city may seem calm now, but it’s the calm before the storm. Paris is renowned for its rich sporting culture, and once the Games commence, excitement will be everywhere. The transformation will be swift, and the streets will be filled with Olympic spirit.
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