Accordion Terrorists

UH OH .. the accordion terrorists are on the Metro. These are players with accordion’s who get in your car on the Metro, and torture you with sounds from these bellows driven instruments, the clacking and squealing of the train hurling through a tunnel adds a discordant accompaniment. I don’t mean any disrespect for this musical trademark of France, but it is not pleasing to these ears. Just before the next stop they pass through the aisles with outstretched hands, collecting tips. Are they kidding? Why would I pay for this? They spend the day moving from car to car playing for their supper. Actually, as annoying and yes, funny, I think this is, I guess it’s better than just outright begging. Although right now, I feel like begging them to stop.

Okay, music makers have moved on and now some guy is coming down the aisle passing out yellow index sized cards with French writing obviously asking for money. He passes out the cards then comes back with outstretched hand, collects coins and picks up the cards. Well, at least he is quiet.

Next on the Metro stage is an orator, these are people who give a loud passionate speech’s, then like the others, pass through the car with outstretched hands. They are very organized and professional. Some of them even bring little stools to stand on. Apparently this is the Speakers Corner of Paris.

I finally make it to my stop with change intact, climb the stairs and face the ticket touts The Metro exit is a favorite place for plying their wares. Cerche la Place? . Cerche la Place? They call out to everyone. I assume this means something about buying tickets. The sidewalk along Avenue de la Porte d’ Auteuil is lined with these ticket sellers, buying, trading, negotiating deals. They carry home made signs in French and English. They must be professionals and probably make decent money, be cause I recognize a couple who have been here for years. I wave my credential at them and proceed unmolested.

The French Tennis Federation is celebrating 80 years of the French Open, and as part of this celebration, they have designed a fabulous banner stretching the entire block along this same walk before you enter the site. The banner depicts the history of the Open from its inception to the present. Really impressive. Things are done so well here, everything is about art and design. I wonder where this tradition began. Where the French gained their sensitivity to art. how it became so much a part of their culture.

I’m finally at the site, and to do some nice I'm hoping to do some nice photos today. Checking the schedule I see that Guga is playing doubles fourth match on court three. I’m going to have to get there really early because court three is one of the smallest show courts, and I know it’s going to be packed.

I headed over to grab a couple of shots of Serena, but she was shut out in straight sets by the Slovenian No27 seed Katarina Srebotnik, and it's over before I make it to Suzanne Lenglen. I guess I won’t be getting any snaps of Serena this trip. How about Murray? He’s playing clay court specialist, Nicolas Almagro of Spain, so Andy may be packing his bags tonight.

Murray, who came here never having won a match at Roland Garros, has made it to the second round after defeating a young French wildcard in five sets in the first round. Actually he is playing a good match most of the time, but his famous inconsistency rears its ugly head on important points, and Almagro ends up winning in four sets.

Time for a bite of lunch, and I opt for the food court rather than the press dining room. Roland Garros has without a doubt the best food court anywhere. Chefs in white toques prepare appetizing hot and cold dishes. The garden setting, complete with a waterfall, sparkling fountain, and a profusion of white flowers has lovely and inviting atmosphere. No fast food here, the French know how to dine even at a sporting event.

Finished with a quick lunch I make my way to Guga’s doubles. He’s playing with Sebastian Grosjean, and as predicted the stands are packed. Fans are doing the wave and chanting Guga! Guga!. The green blue and yellow flags of Brazil are waving. I have a little lump in my throat knowing that this for sure is the last time I will see Guga play professionally. They loose to the young Romanian team of Florin Mergea and Horia Tecau. in three sets. Guga signs autographs, and leaves the court smiling and waving. Now it’s really finished, the last match on the red clay of Roland Garros for the much loved Brazilian.

I decide to catch the end of Odesnik and Djokovic. I’m pretty sure O doesn’t have a chance against DJ, but I want to see how he fares with a top player. He looses in 3, but makes a decent showing, 7-5, 6-4, 6-2. Check out his sox, I'll bet those will be going in the trash.

It’s now 9:45, and I want to catch the 10 PM shuttle, so I’ll stop these ramblings until tomorrow.