Scene from My Last Day in Paris

In the Montmarte District, on a narrow cobblestone street just down from the carousel, and in front of a row of shops and a gathered crowd, two early-20-ish women with accoustic guitars belted out a slow rendition of “Hit Me Baby One More Time.” They sang in English with soft French accents, their voices in perfect harmony, their guitar cases open in front of them for change. They wore boots and cute dresses. The blonde one had the brightest red lipstick I’ve ever seen.

But the best part was the way they beamed at the crowd, in full command of the charming absurdity of their performance. They were, after all, singing their hearts out to a Britney Spears tune. I think my biggest regret of the trip may be that I didn’t have my camera just then.