Reflections on Today

• Based on responses we've gotten from yesterday's post, 5 out of 5 readers think we got scammed. One person gave the guy credit for his set-up, two suggested we ask the guardienne what the deal was, and three mentioned the normal solicitation that happens around Christmas, when donations for the postman or fireman are rewarded with calendars. Can't wait.
• In unrelated news, this afternoon I ventured over to the main BnF location for the first time this trip. I was looking for issues 7 and 8 of a particular journal; they had issues 1-6 and 9. Makes me miss the Eda Kuhn Loeb Music Library, where 90% of everything you need can be found in open stacks, and where materials aren't split between two locations several miles apart. (The BN Département de la Musique, Rue Louvois, has all the archival materials, a few pianos, and lots of books. The Bibliothèque François Mitterand, Salle P (Audiovisuel) has all the recordings, many scores, and lots more books.) 
• While at the library, I noticed that both of the other people at my table were wearing ear plugs. This is inexcusable. It's already a library - how much quieter can it get!? Or maybe it was my incessant tapping that drove them to stuff their ears with rubber. 
• While in transit between the Music Library and the Bibliothèque François Mitterand, I stumbled upon what I think is Paris' "Little Japan," or "Japantown" or what have you. More on that later.
• It rained today. First daytime rain since the day we got here. Feels like winter already!