This afternoon, I received a text from Sebastien asking if I was free this evening. I didn't have much planned, just organizing and making the most of my last week in Paris and wanting to see him one last time before I go. He was pleased and cryptically instructed me to meet him on rue Oberkampf at 8:00pm. That's it. No further information. Ok, while I love surprises, I don't always know how to dress for them. The last time a guy 'surprised' me, I ended up showing up to a Runyon Canyon hike in Miu Miu mary janes and a cocktail dress. Surprise indeed. He didn't even change the plan and had me trudging up a steep and dusty terrains in heels. I looked like an idiot. That's why I hated dating in L.A, 9 out of 10 guys are the outdoorsy type where this is a typical date scenario. I'm an not outdoorsy and think dates should consist of candlelight instead of cruel and unforgiving natural sunlight and wine to get through it, if the date sucks. Call me old-fashioned. Fortunately here I don't have to worry about sneak-attack outdoorsy guys so much and since we were meeting in Oberkampf, I figured I was free from wildlife. To be safe, I wore ballet flats.
I arrived and he was waiting on the corner for me with his little helmet in hand, smiling. I was happy to see him too. He escorted me into a dark club called the Nouveau Casino. It was creepy. I looked at him asked him if he was going to rape me as we stood in a dark and desolate hallway because if he was, it would have been too late, we've done that part already. "How is it possible that I met the craziest girl in Paris?" was his response. It's true. He did meet the craziest girl in Paris. If not crazy, the most ridiculous.
Not having any assaults on his agenda, to my surprise he took me to see Deerhoof, a band that I absolutely adore. He was listening to me and not texting. I had seen the show advertisement poster when we were at Le Tape last week and had told him that I liked them and while what I thought was texting, was him buying the tickets. This guy just keeps getting better and better.
There were a lot of Americans in the crowd and started talking up two guys in front of me about the band. The thing was that they were speaking English to each other and responding to me in French. It was like a cruel joke. I kept speaking English back and making my accent sound more American, so they knew I wasn't a French girl who spoke really amazing English. At least I think I speak really amazing English. That's another conversation. But they continued and insisted on speaking back to me in French. The whole fun of bumping into 'your people' here is being able to converse comfortably in your native tongue and they were denying me that pleasure. I wanted to join in on the fun too!
It wasn't because I couldn't keep up with the conversation or had difficulty understanding him, it was that I speak limited English here to begin with so when I am able to speak, I'd like to and don't get me started on the obvious pretentious factor. After, Franco-nazi #1 told me he was from New Jersey I finally asked why were speaking French. He said he wanted to practice which was actually quite cute and felt bad that I was being such a bitch in my head. I just don't think I'm the best candidate to practice with and if anything would ruin his with my harsh slang and incorrect conjugations. Clearly there were other people more fit for the task. Other people like Sebastien? Or the other hundred native French speakers present. Just to throw some ideas out.
Our conversation abruptly ended by the sound of guitars tuning from the opening band who I ended up not loving. The lead singer was uncomfortably emaciated where I wanted to shove Croque Monsieurs down her throat and had no idea what language she was singing in. They played a brazenly long set and was pleased when it was over.
Deerhoof on the other hand were incredible and played an hour and half set. They are definitely an acquired sound with a distinct mix of indie and progressive rock topped off with a bite-sized lead singer from Tokyo. It was a perfect surprise date bringing me back to my youth when I would go to shows more regularly. These days and shamefully, wine and gossip out win live music.
Nouveau Casino
109, rue Oberkampf
75011 Paris
