This is what I take for transportation, isn\'t it cute? Right after Bastille Day something tres bizarre happens in France.

EVERYONE GOES ON VACATION

Now, I know you’re thinking - Oh Channon, of course, people like to go on vacation in the summer. But do not underestimate this statement - EVERYONE GOES ON VACATION. Entire cities up and leave their houses and apartments and go vacationing in other cities. Stores and restaurants close. Everything has shorter hours. At my little (air-conditioneless) gym, they offer 10 classes instead of 30. My cute little tram (pictured above) runs slower and less often. (not to mention, the tram workers have decided to hold a stike every Saturday evening until the government increases their salary, how sweet).

The local newspaper, Montpelier Plus, goes on vacation for a month and a half- apparently, since everyone is on vacation, no one does anything and there is NO NEWS! How convenient!

Of course, if you are one of the lucky on vacation right now, you are very very happy. No one at work gets pissed that you get to go on vacation and they have to sit tight and keep the boss happy (who undoubtedly calls in ridiculous requests from their vacation home on the shore). And you get to go somewhere and actually enjoy it, because one month is enough time to really let the air out.

Of course, if you are that 1% that doesn’t get to go on vacation, like the poor teachers at my school, you might get a little annoyed. Or, you may just consider switching jobs so you can split along with everyone else!