Behind the scenes at the Moulin Rouge

As Olympic fever heats up Paris

It’s certainly heating up in Paris. Quite literally, the weather is as good as it gets right now. But the topic of the summer Olympic Games is also heating up. The big JO, as the French say (Jeux Olympiques).

But before we get into all that, and before we even talk about this week’s podcast episode, a quick hello to the new readers. I’ve updated this mailing list with all the subscribers to my website - so if it’s your first time reading the newsletter, then welcome! I send these out every Friday and summarize what’s been happening on The Earful Tower and in Paris.

This week’s Earful Tower podcast

This week on the podcast I interviewed Canadian Allie Goodbun, a Moulin Rouge dancer who has gained a huge following online sharing behind the scenes of her Paris life. She talked about how she got the job, her life in Montmartre, and her love for the City of Light.

That’s her pictured below, right in the middle, as photographed by Philippe Wojazer.

After the interview I went to see the show and it was splendid fun. Light, colourful, and entertaining. For anyone who wants my opinion on whether the Moulin Rouge is worth adding to your Paris itinerary, I would say: yes!

The Earful Tower podcast episode

Listen to the episode below, or wherever you get your podcasts. For more pictures, more links to Allie’s work, and more in general, click here for the blog page we published this week.

Our new children’s book

Last week we ran a very quick crowdfunding campaign for our new children’s book, The Animal Games in Paris. I’m very proud to say that it was a roaring success, we doubled our target goal. In other words, we will make this book and it will be ready in 1-2 months. Thanks to all the early supporters, we couldn’t have done it without you.

If you missed the Kickstarter, don’t worry, the books will go on sale to the public soon, and there’s already lots of interest from Paris bookshops and stores, so you should be able to find them quite easily. There were a few unsold roads in the big Paris map at the back of the book, so if you want to claim one, please get in touch.

If you want to pre-order a book, here’s the link for US and French addresses, here’s the link for the rest of the world. Postage is included in the prices.

The Olympic Games

I’m very curious about these Olympics. I think it’s gonna be wonderful and I can’t wait to be part of the atmosphere. But it’s clear that a lot of Parisians are planning to keep a very large distance between themselves and the games. And it seems the City Hall isn’t too happy about it.

Mayor Anne Hidalgo shared a picture this week on social media showing her pelting along the Seine in a police speedboat. That’s it below. I still can’t tell why she chose a police speedboat, but it certainly caught my eye. The caption says: “I say to all Parisians: Stay for the summer. Paris will be a party, not a headache.” (It rhymes in French, but you get the idea).

Me, I will be staying for the party. I just bought some tickets to the basketball. I can’t wait. And if the Opening Ceremony is as good as they promise, we should be in for a treat. Imagine, athletes on boats, sailing down the Seine like modern-day vikings. Like Julius Caesar and his Romans, ready to conquer. How very dramatic.

The organizers have said the opening ceremony will be one of the most memorable Olympic moments, ever - and I’m inclined to agree.

It remains to be seen, however, if any Parisians will be around to witness it. Time will tell!

For more of my thoughts on the upcoming Olympics, here’s the replay to my live video chat on YouTube. My 2-year-old stole the show by waking up and interrupting, looking at the camera, and saying “Hello people” to everyone watching. A future podcaster, probably. Subscribe to my YouTube channel in one click here, I’ve already planned the next 20 videos!!!

Anyhow, that’s about enough from me. Keep your eyes peeled for a film director on the pod next week, followed by a baker, an Olympic volunteer, and a catacombs explorer.

As for me, I’ll be doing my famous Monday morning semi-private tour of the Marais, as always, next week, and there are places to snag. Book here, for Monday, or any Monday really. Our tours have had 81 consecutive 5-star reviews, I’m aiming for 100.

Have a lovely weekend

Oliver