Today ends almost two straight months of non-stop strikes protesting the government's proposed retirement reforms. For now. Despite endless civil upheavals, encroaching homeless and migrant populations, pollution and soaring crime, like the Eiffel Tower, Paris always manages to keep its head held high, and for visitors, its clichés - fashionistas, dawdling for hours at cafés, baguettes, fabulous wines, cheeses, small dogs, macaron-nibbling Parisiennes and sexy French lovers - remain intact. For now. - BPJ
