le 26 janvier 2018 (026/365)
« Qui trouble les eaux calmes, provoque des débordements, au risque d'engendrer l'inondation. » - Serge Zeller
The Seine is the lifeline that runs through the heart of Paris
This is the Zouave statue at the base of the Pont de l'Alma. Parisian tradition holds « Quand le zouave a les pieds dans l'eau, la Seine est en crue. »
"When the Zouave's feet are in the water, the Seine will flood."
During the historic flood of 1910, la Seine rose 8,62 m to reach the Zoave's shoulders. Since then, the Zouave's feet have been in the water several times (1910, 1924, 1945, 1955, 1982, 1988, 1995, 1999, 2001, 2016, and now in 2018).
This week the Seine overflowed its banks with the worst flooding in 100 years. Some Metro lines and stations have been closed along with Notre Dame cathedral, the Louvre, and the Musée d'Orsay. The river is expected to continue rising until it crests at around 20 feet on Sunday.
Paris is on my mind this week (Well, Paris is always on my mind, but especially this week).
Sending thoughts and prayers to Parisian friends and travelers. Stay dry and safe.
