PARIS - Postscripts

The Hotel de Vendome

A private residence in the 1700s, this building reflects its 1714 modifications.  In the photo below, you can see the delicate wrought iron railings, and the details of the building design.  Each arch was topped by face plaques (sometimes called grotesques).

Hotel de Vendome detail, Paris, by DG Hudson

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Oscar Wilde's Tomb
 
The back of Oscar Wilde's tomb in 2010 illustrated the need for protecting the surface of the monument. The family arranged to have the tomb cleaned and protected by glass, while still allowing the view of the design.  For more information, refer to this post on Oscar Wilde.

Oscar Wilde's Tomb, Back view 2010, by DG Hudson

W=Wilde Thing (My blog post April 2012, A to Z challenge)
http://dghudson-rainwriting.blogspot.ca/2012/04/w-wilde-thing-to-z-challenge.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oscar_Wilde  Oscar Wilde, wiki


Walling off Oscar Wilde's Tomb
 http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/16/world/europe/oscar-wildes-tomb-sealed-from-admirers-kisses.html?pagewanted=all


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Old Paris Cityscape

A miniature of Paris in the 1700s behind glass in the Musee Carnavalet.  This style of building didn't allow for light to penetrate to the street.  If you were fearless, you could try using the interconnecting rooftops for your getaway.

Museum miniature of Old Paris, by DG Hudson

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Dalida

Bronze Dalida, Singer, in Montmartre, Paris by DG Hudson

Dalida, an international singer performed and recorded successfully for 30 years in many languages:  French, Arabic, Italian, Greek, German, English, Japanese, Hebrew, Dutch and Spanish.  She spent her early years in Egypt as a member of the Italian Egyptian community, but lived her adult life in France.  Her career spanned the years 1956-1986.



Refer to Personal Life at the link below for the tragic details of her lovers and husbands. Dalida’s private life was marred by a series of failed relationships and personal problems. On Sunday, May 3, 1987 Dalida decided to end her life and left a suicide note.  Monday, May 4, 1987, near noon, her body was found. She died alone at her Montmartre residence in Paris. 

Dalida was buried in 1987 in the Montmartre Cemetery.  Alain Aslan, the sculptor, also made a statue on display outside her tomb.  The bust of Dalida in the photo above is on display near her previous residence . 

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Is any of this new to you?  Ever heard of Dalida?   Do you like people or location photos?  Please share in the comments.

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References

All photos by DG Hudson in Paris, 2010, unless otherwise noted.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dalida  Biography details of Dalida, wiki
and Personal Life


http://www.dalida.com/us.htm  Famous singer, Dalida and her music

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H%C3%B4tel_de_Vend%C3%B4me Hotel de Vendome, Paris, wiki

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnavalet_Museum  Carnavalet Museum


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The Triplettes of Belleville, A film

. . .and the Tour de France

The Triplettes of Belleville* (Les Triplettes de Belleville), is an animated comedy film released in 2003.  Written and directed by Sylvain Chomet, it was called Belleville Rendez-vous in the UK.  The visual effects are retro and perfect for the material.  The film was an international co-production between companies in France, the UK, Belgium and Canada.  The film's music is 1920s inspired and includes characters reminiscent of Josephine Baker, Fred Astaire, Glenn Gould and Dhango Reinhardt-the guitarist playing for the singing and dancing Triplettes.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0286244/  Triplettes of Belleville Trailer and photo


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Npro9kjyaJk  Youtube-Triplettes of Belleville.

*Also known as Belleville Rendez-vous in the UK.


The film tells the story of Madame Souza, a grandmother who goes on a quest to rescue her grandson Champion, a Tour de France cyclist kidnapped by the French mafia and taken to the city of Belleville.  Souza is joined by the Triplettes of Belleville, music hall singers from the 1930s, and her obese hound, Bruno, as she searches for the hideout.  This is a film about a grandmother's devotion and ingenuity as well as about the annual Tour de France, a world famous cycling event currently taking place, 30 June–22 July, 2012.

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Have you ever heard of this animated movie, The Triplettes of Belleville OR the Tour de France?  Are you a competitive cyclist like the grandson in the story OR are you a weekend cyclist, riding for pleasure and fitness?

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References:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Triplets_of_Belleville General Info, Wikipedia & French poster illustration


http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_triplets_of_belleville/  Film site rating


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012_Tour_de_France  Tour de France 2012 Info

Vancouver Update - A Bridge and Crepes

Bridges and the construction of the same have always fascinated me.  The image below shows the existing Port Mann Bridge in British Columbia, with the new cable design to the left.





The Port Mann Bridge, with New Design by DG Hudson




This design is actually very appropriate for this location, with the clear view of the mountains or the water.  The white cables form a pattern that appears graceful even in the construction stages.  The orange rounded arch belongs to the existing bridge.






Parallel Bridges of the Port Mann in BC, by DG Hudson



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The new incarnation of the bridge will expand the capacity of the the existing Highway #1 in connecting the Fraser Valley to the Tri-Cities area.  According to Wikipedia, the old bridge, built in the 1960s will be dismantled.  This was news to me.  Discussing the new bridge can be touchy, as tolls will be the chosen source of income to finance the ongoing costs and maintenance.

Orange Girders and White Cables, Pt. Mann Bridge by DG Hudson

Scheduled for completion by the end of 2013, the new bridge is expected to improve the commuting experience.  We'll have to wait a year to find out.

See References listed below for more links.
 

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DO YOU LIKE CREPES?
 
Greater Vancouver Regional district

In Coquitlam Centre Mall, at the intersection of Barnet Highway and Lougheed Highway, we discovered a small welcoming cafe called 'Crepe de licious'.  They have other edible delights such as gelatos, breakfast crepes and Paninis also on the menu.  This is healthy light eating.




Crepe de licious cafe, Coquitlam Centre by DG Hudson





These ladies shown below made our delicious crepes BEFORE I said I would mention them in my blog, then they graciously posed for a photo.  The special coffee was very nice too, not just your usual drip and splash.  They took the time to make the crepe the way I do at home, but they have far better equipment.  Some crepe makers, of professional quality, are available for sale in the store.  Prices for sweet or savoury crepes range from $4.25 to $9.95. 



Friendly Employees at Crepe de licious.



To learn about other locations, check the website:  http://www.crepedelicious.com/


Crepes. . .they can be versatile.

We had our first nutello crepes at the Musee d'Orsay in Paris.  I make my own batter and crepes using a basic recipe.  It always works.  I don't use special equipment.

Do you like crepes? Any creperies where you live?  Share the names in the comments, and where they are located in your city.
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Monet's Garden - A Palette of Color

In the old province of Normandy, in Giverny. . .




Monet's Garden Entrance, Giverny by DG Hudson



In Giverny, Impressionist painter Claude Monet's restored house and garden provide a look at the inspiration for many of his paintings--his gardens. In Monet's day, the train was the only access to the village, 80 km, or 50 miles from Paris. In the late 1800s, the village population count in Giverny was about 300. It hasn’t grown that much since then, but the town does see many more tourists. One of reasons is Monet's Garden at Giverny.

 



Monet's House in Giverny, Autumn, by DG Hudson 





In 1883, middle-aged Claude Monet, his wife Alice, and their eight children from two families settled into a farmhouse here, west of Paris. Monet, at that point a famous artist, would spend 40 years in Giverny, traveling less with each passing year.



Monet lived in the house with its famous pink crushed brick façade from 1883 until his death in 1926. He and many members of his family are interred in the village cemetery. The house has a huge kitchen, and a large bright studio, now used as a gift shop.   Monet’s Japanese prints are on the wall, a ceramic cat sits on a table. No photos are allowed inside the house. The bedrooms are small, but probably normal for the time. The rooms are complete with period furniture, much as they would have been during the time Monet lived here.



Monet's Water Garden, Giverny, Fr. by DG Hudson






The Water Gardens are most peaceful, with the sound of running water and lovely vistas that change with the seasons. We were there in the Autumn when the gardens were lush with growth.

Monet's Garden at Giverny, Real Water Lilies, by DG Hudson

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Claude Monet's property at Giverny (house and gardens), left by his son to the Académie des Beaux-Arts in 1966 became a Museum opened to public visit in 1980 after completion of large-scale restoration work.


Are you a gardener? Have you seen Monet's garden? Do you like Impressionist painting?  Please share in the comments.

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References:

http://giverny.org/gardens/fcm/visitgb.htm  Giverny Gardens

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giverny Giverny

http://www.fondation-monet.fr/fr/  Foundation Claude Monet

http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/destinations/france/giverny.htm 
Rick Steves on Monet's Garden

PARIS - The Street Scene

In the Marais,



Saturday Marais Street Market - Paris, Fr. - by DG Hudson



Our first weekend in Paris, we wanted to see the local neighborhood.  The Marais street vendors set up their stalls on weekends so we joined the shoppers strolling the sidewalk flea and craft markets between old churches and apartment buildings.  The tiered steps force you to slow down your walk and check out the wares.

In parts of the Marais, you'll see the older streets that are just wide enough for small cars or Parisian motorbikes; the buildings are protected by concrete stanchions and cars that never seem to move. Perfect for walkers. Small museums are hidden among the residential blocks in these older neighborhoods, providing a second life for the former homes of aristocrats.



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Montmartre


Montmartre, Lapin Agile on left, Artist Cafe late 1800s - DG Hudson



Wandering the streets of any city is an excellent way to find those unique tiny shops that sell art supplies, or that cafe that serves Breton crepes.  You need to know which ones to avoid, as well.  This post will highlight some of the streets we explored.  In Montmartre, you'll find winding, old-style streets that climb ever upward and curve around churches and other buildings, some of them centuries old. 

Moulin de la Galette, Montmartre, Paris by Green Eye

Small sidewalk cafes are tucked into creative spots on the streets as you ascend the hill: Moulin de la Galette, of Renoir fame, La Maison Rose, and Lapin Agile, an artists cafe. We took a detour to see the petite square of the Wall-Passer and listen to the story behind the sculpture. (The sculpture depicts the main character in the story, a Parisian tale.)


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Rue D'Orchampt, Graffiti wall:

Graffiti in Montmartre - by DG Hudson

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Bouquinistes / Booksellers of Used or Rare Books

Bouquinistes by the Seine River - DG Hudson

Only stopping briefly to look at the literary offerings of the bouguinistes, I didn't buy anything.  I first saw them in their closed position when we walked by the Seine River in the evening.  Locked dark green boxes that blossomed into reading material and other printed objects when opened in the daytime. 


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Arc de Triomphe



Arc de Triomphe on the Champs Elysses by DG Hudson


The Avenue des Champs-Élysées leads to the Arc de Triomphe at the end surrounded by the L'Etoile, recently renamed to honour past President Charles de Gaulle (Place Charles de Gaulle).  Pedestrians can access the Arc de Triomphe via the underground tunnel. 

Commissioned in 1806 after Emperor Napoleon's victory at Austerlitz, the Arc de Triomphe wasn't completed until 1836 under King Louis Philippe.  There were various reasons for the delay.  Beneath the Arc de Triomphe lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I.   The coffin was interred on Armistice Day 1920.


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La Grande Arche

Le Grande Arche, centre horizon, from the Arc de Triomphe-by DGH

A 20th-century version of the Arc de Triomphe, La Grande Arche de la Défense is a monument to humanity and humanitarian ideals.  In the photo above, the Arche is the square hollow shape at the distant end of the street. The tall building on the right is the Palais des Congres de Paris.  The placement of the Grande Arche was specific and completed the line of monuments forming an axis that runs through Paris to the Louvre at the other end.

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Can you name other cities with interesting streets? Or streets that hold a special memory for you?  Please share in the comments if you do.


For more details on the City of Light,  check the Paris Posts Tab at the top of the page at my Rainforest Writing blog.  
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References:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arc_de_Triomphe
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grande_Arche La Grande Arche

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moulin_de_la_Galette  Montmartre Trivia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bouquinistes Booksellers

http://www.placesinfrance.com/history_arc_de_triomphe.html
Napoleon's Arch

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The Eiffel Tower, Paris - a Photo Study

The Iron Lady

 

When evening comes, Tour Eiffel wears her light colours and starts to sparkle.



The Eiffel Tower charmed me more than I expected, with its delicate scalloped ironwork designs on the lower edges. Paris is a city known for its artistic elegance in wrought iron, and this tower is no exception.  How much more fantastic the Eiffel Tower must have seemed in 1889, after its completion for the Paris Exhibition.

The Eiffel at a Different Angle

Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel, born December 15, 1832, in Dijon, France, is the man who designed the world famous Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel) for the 1889 Exposition in Paris. He was also a writer, publishing 31 books and treatises about his numerous projects and experiments. More information about Gustave Eiffel can be found at the links below this post.

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72 Names of Men
(scientists, engineers, and associated professionals) who contributed to the Eiffel Tower's construction, line the bottom edge on all four sides.  I was impressed until I discovered the women who contributed were omitted from being so exalted.  It was the Age of Men, then, wasn't it?  Women didn't have the vote.






Eiffel Tower - View of 1st level by DG Hudson

 On the lower edge under the first overhang are the names, half obscured by the protective netting.  Since 2010/2011, these names have been restored to their golden lustre, making them a little easier to read from ground level.

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Ironwork Detail of Eiffel Tower

An elevator at the entrance takes visitors to the different levels and offers an interior view of the supporting structure on the way up. A private elevator takes visitors to the second level if they have reservations at the Michelin-starred Restaurant there.  Check the website for information on the third level. 

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On the first level is the main restaurant, Le 58 Tour Eiffel, on the second level is the Jules Verne Restaurant, both with above average prices.  There are many reviews to be found online for both restaurants. See link below.

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Blue Paris, at dusk from the Eiffel Tower, Sacre Coeur upper left on horizon.  The Seine River cuts through diagonally.

Most of our time on the Eiffel Tower was spent photographing the four sides of Paris visible from the first level.  The photos before and after are a sampling.



The Trocadero View from the Eiffel Tower



Trocadero with Carousel at left, by DG Hudson



Hope you enjoyed the photo tour, and if you'd like more of my Paris Posts, see under the tab at the top.

All photos taken Autumn 2010 in Paris France by DG Hudson.

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References:

Gustave Eiffel

http://www.paris-eiffel-tower-news.com/eiffel-tower-stories/paris-story-gustave-eiffel.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gustave_Eiffel

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72 Names on the Eiffel Tower

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_the_72_names_on_the_Eiffel_Tower

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Eiffel Tower Restaurants

http://goparis.about.com/od/parisrestaurantreviews/a/EiffelTower_Eat.htm

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The Eiffel Tower

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eiffel_Tower

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Paris Exhibition of 1889
The tower formed the main symbol and the entrance arch to the fair.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exposition_Universelle_(1889)


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How about you?

-Have you seen the Eiffel Tower in Paris?  (Vegas doesn't count)

-Do you know of or like another city's iconic monuments better?  Please share in the comments. 

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Origins Blogfest 2012



When did YOUR Writing Dreams begin?



Tell us for the Origins Blogfest . . . when did you first pick up that pen or sit in front of that keypad and begin to create a story, or a column, a poem, or a book? (Not for school or because you had to, but because you wanted to write something down that was in your head)


When did I first start writing stories?

I’m not sure, I kept getting sidetracked.  But . . .

It could have been when I sent in my first article to a teen magazine and received my first nice rejection. Insert appropriate teen angst, but at least I had a reply.

It could have been when I was hired on the strength of my cover letter, not my experience, and the woman told me why. She liked my words. Then, I landed a job where writing was the focus, but the purpose definitely non-fiction. It was a learning time.

My writing genre: Science Fiction and Suspense/Crime novels.


Thanks for dropping by. Hope you can share one of your writing memories in the comments below.

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The Origins Blogfest is brought to you by 4 co-host Bloggers: (you can sign up on these sites)

DL at Cruisin' Altitude
Alex at Alex J. Cavanaugh
Matt at The Quintessentially Questionable Query Experiement
Katie at Creepy Query Girl


Want to participate?

First, sign up to participate via the handy dandy Linky tool at DL's site or any of the other host blogs above.  The Linky list, details, and badges are found there. Have fun checking out the list!

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