Oops at the Pompidou

(A few have asked what kind of camera I use. I have a Sony A330-a very entry-level DSLR. We got it this summer knowing we would want good pics from our trip. Be patient with me as I am still learning how to use it)

There were a few moments on the trip where I felt like someone could scream, "Rotten American Woman" in a European accent to me.

Our visit to the Pompidou set the stage for the first one. The Pompidou is such a cool museum. We didn't have time to go in, but seeing the outside was just as cool. This art museum is built inside out--so all the pipes are on the outside of the building. The bright colors really stood out amidst the other buildings around it. Thanks to my friend Marcelle who told us about it.



As we were exploring the outside, we came upon this artist. The picture doesn't do justice, but you get the idea. This man was creating a masterpiece out of chalk. The picture was large and intricate in detail.

As we were admiring his work, I decided to go to the other side and try to get some better pictures. As I started walking away, my focused little self didn't bother to notice a money plate sitting on the sidewalk. I kicked it and at that moment, all the coins scattered over the drawing and the crowds stopped.

I muttered sorry and knelt down quickly to pick up the coins as fast as my little fingers could move. To my knowledge (or at least I had hoped), the artist just kept on drawing. I had gathered up all the coins and thankfully only a few of them had smudged his artwork.

Brandon quickly decided that instead of staying to watch, he would come with me. I think it was because he was embarrassed for me and just wanted to leave before his wife could cause any other scenes.

So we walked away, stepping very carefully this time as to not kick any other money pots over. To our surprise, the artist stood up, and yelled "Excuse me". However, it was in French so naturally, we didn't understand him. He yelled once more in French. And again, we didn't understand or know he was talking to us.

(It was at this moment of us not understanding his French that his suspicions of me being a rotten American woman were confirmed).

He then yelled, "EXCUSE ME!" in English. We turned and gave him blank stares. We weren't sure what he wanted from us. He yelled it again. Brandon yelled back, "Sorry." And then he said, "Oh, you do know that word."

It was then that I realized he had not heard me say sorry the first time and really did have justification in thinking I was a rotten American woman. We said sorry again--this time with a fairly large crowd. I wanted to click my heels and disappear.

We took a seat near this contemporary water fountain nearby. My conscience was eating at me and I knew I didn't want the man to always think of me as horrible person.

I took a few deep breaths, thought quickly as to how I could remedy the situation. I did not have the talent to fix the drawing, but I did know that we had some spare coins. I made Brandon dig through his pockets to gather up all he had. I think all of our change totaled $1.50. Oh well, it would have to do.

I mustered up all the courage I had, walked over, handed the man our change and again expressed how sorry I was and tried to smooth over the situation by saying how lovely his artwork was. He gave me a smile (which is more than I could have expected) and we ended on good terms.

Whew! I breathed a deep sigh of relief as I walked back. My oops at the Pompidou created an experience that most tourists don't get. Bonding with a real French sidewalk chart artist was priceless...well, actually $1.50, but you get the idea. :)