Chatelet

Today I'm taking the metro to my Gothic cathedrals class. I have to transfer to a different line at Chatelet, a giant, touristy station known for pickpockets and scam artists...so I'm on my guard, clutching my bag to my chest tightly, as I walk briskly across the station to the 4 line. Suddenly I hear music, loud, brilliant music at the other end of the cavernous walkway. No, this isn't just one violin, or one random kareoke singer, this is an entire group of musicians, complete with singers, guartarists, drummers, trumpeteers, and more, all lined up against the wall. They're playing what I think is Spanish mariachi music and it is absolutely unbelievable - I'm  so taken aback by the depth to their music, and the way it fills the station with life and energy.  Heads turn left and right to catch a glimpse of this impressive troupe - People zip past them, and some even stop to watch for a second. My mood, dampened by the dreary rain outside, is instantly lifted by the ludicrousy of the situation - a 7 man spanish mariachi band playing in a dingy Parisian metro station! I love it! I drop a 1 Euro coin into the cup next to them on the ground and hear a "Merci!" - the first time I've ever given out money like that to anyone in Paris.