Well, I've never been to Spain, and I am a stranger to the streets of Paris as well, but lots of people go there and have fun.
Why, here's a perfect example! Paris has revived the century-old tradition of the Course des Cafés (Cafe Race), in which French waiters dash down the capital's streets with full trays in one of their hands.
They ran the race last month, and thousands of people showed up to watch 200 waiters, dressed in white shirts, black pants, bow ties, and aprons, carrying each a tray with a croissant, a glass of water, and an empty coffee cup, dart along the streets for 1.2 miles.
As with any race, the goal was to get to the finish line first, but without running, or spilling anything, or ever using two hands at once.
"Through the streets of the Marais, you will have to slalom with agility, avoid obstacles with a skill worthy of Opera dancers and demonstrate speed without haste," said Eau de Paris, the city's public water company and sponsor of the event. "It will not only be about speed but above all balance."
Down at the finish line, judges checked the trays for spilled water or broken dishes. Most contestants finished the race in less than 20 minutes. The winners? Samy Lamrous took home the trophy in the men's division with a time of 13 minutes and 30 seconds, and Pauline Van Wymeersch led the way for the women at 14 minutes and 12 seconds.
In other French news, Bart Simpson's great grandfather Pépé Bouvier once sailed with the Merchant Marine. According to family lore, the 1972 Looking Glass hit "Brandy" is based on his life.
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