PARIS - The Man Who Walked through Walls

The Passer-Through-Walls Or, the Wall-Passer
(Fr.=Le Passe-muraille)

The Wall-Passer Statue, story character, Montmartre, by DG Hudson

Caught in an element he heretofore could pass through, Dutilleul, is forever left to ponder his mistake. It all started when. . .


The Man Who Walked through Walls or The Walker-through-Walls, (various translations) is a short story published by Marcel Aymé in 1943. It inspired a few film adaptations as well.

The character, Dutilleul lived in Montmartre and had just turned 43, when he discovered a strange talent - the ability to pass effortlessly through walls. He asks a doctor about it, and receives pills guaranteed to fix the problem. They are never taken and are soon forgotten, as Dutilleul instead goes to Egypt where he meets and falls in love with a married woman. Cherchez la femme**? He comes and goes as he pleases when the woman's husband is away. He becomes complacent in his ability.

On the fateful occasion, he took a pill for his headache, the wrong pill. The medicine the doctor had given him suddenly took effect as he was passing through the outer wall. Dutilleul was trapped in the wall, where he remains to this day.

Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License
This is a summarized version. check wiki link under references for the complete story.

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The Wall-Passer, Place Marcel Aymé, Montmartre, DG Hudson

The location of The Wall-Passer or Le Passe-muraille is at Rue Norvins/Place Marcel Aymé. We heard the story from our tour guide, an young American (ex-pat?) from St. Louis who now lived in Paris, because guess what - 'Cherchez la femme'. He had met a  French girl and decided to stay.

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Have you heard the story of the Wall-Passer? Would you like this ability? Wouldn't it be great to have one of your characters made into a public commemorative statue? AND, What do you think of the use of the phrase, 'cherchez la femme' ?



**Interesting Definition

'Cherchez la femme' is a French phrase which literally means 'look for the woman'. This is used as an excuse for why a man acts out of character or in an otherwise strange manner. He is usually trying to hide an affair, trying to impress or gain favor with a woman. This expression comes from the 1854 novel and was used in the 1864 theatrical adaptation of The Mohicans of Paris, by Alexander Dumas. The phrase is repeated several times to emphasize the point.

'Cherchez la femme' has become a cliché of detective pulp fiction. It becomes easy to name this as the root cause of whatever problem or situation the male protagonist has at any given moment.
Note: This cliché appears a lot in literature and in real life.
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References:

http://dghudson.blogspot.ca/2011/12/paris-walks.html 
Paris stories - original mention of The Wall-Passer

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_passer-through-walls Wiki

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cherchez_la_femme Definition of this phrase

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French Historical Interiors - Art Moulding at Versailles

To have beauty in art and design where one cannot fully see it is a pity. The purpose was to impress in a setting of luxury. The following images are all from Versailles.




Ceiling Detail at Versailles, France, by DG Hudson

Plaster used for moldings is formed by mixing dry powder with water to form a paste. It can then be worked and shaped with metal tools and sandpaper to a specific shape. Plaster can refer to gypsum plaster (plaster of Paris), lime plaster, or cement plaster.




Ceiling Detail Closeup at Versailles, France, by DG Hudson

A large gypsum deposit in Montmartre in Paris led gypsum plaster to be commonly known as 'plaster of Paris'. Many great murals in Europe, such as the Sistine Chapel ceiling are painted in fresco, or the paint is applied to a thin layer of wet plaster. The pigments then merge with the plaster layer to form a very durable surface.

 The Louvre Museum also has extensive mouldings since it too was a palace.

These two images above and below show the intricate detail that can be carved or molded to fit the shape or size required. Plaster can be worked easier than stone or wood, and is lighter. Seeing the detail in the construction of such a grand palace helps us understand why the French treasury was drained in part by this project.

Versailles Ceiling Art and Mouldings, by DG Hudson

Click to see more Ceiling Art at Versailles

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Are you interested in information about historical places? Do you get curious about how things are done? Have you visited Versailles? Any other castles or churches you have visited with interesting architecture and ceilings?

Please leave a comment to let me know you were here, and thanks for dropping by! I'll respond.


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References

Basic Plaster Wiki
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plaster

A post on Ceiling art at Versailles and the Louvre Museum
http://dghudson-rainwriting.blogspot.ca/2012/04/v-versailles-palace-to-z-challenge.html

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PARIS - Eiffel Tower Illusion



In Late September, it's strolling weather in Paris.

The Eiffel Tower from the Trocadero, Paris, by DG Hudson

The Eiffel Tower stands across from the Trocadero, two worthy guardians of the intersection. On the left is the lower end of the Trocadero fountains. Straight ahead, the traffic appears to go beneath the tower, but the roadway diverts. Foreshortening of the distance through the camera lens provides the illusion.

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Up close, you can see the detail in the ironwork of the supporting legs. That traffic light is at the intersection where the traffic diverts.

Detail of Eiffel Tower, Paris, by DG Hudson

The Iron Lady's mood can change with the weather, turning from a warm bronze color to cold gray metal matching the clouds.

Eiffel Tower Ironwork detail, by DG Hudson

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La Tour Eiffel appears to change when viewed from different angles and distance. Standing underneath, you feel sheltered. At a distance, it appears solid and balanced. Up close, you see more design elements.

Eiffel Tower and Pont D'Iena, Paris, by DG Hudson

 

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Have you photographed images like this where an illusion is created? Were you aware of it at the time you snapped the photograph? Did you enjoy seeing more outtakes of the Eiffel Tower?

Please leave a comment to let me know you were here and thanks for dropping by! I'll respond.
 
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eiffel_Tower  Details about the construction  of the Eiffel Tower

http://dghudson-rainwriting.blogspot.ca/2012/04/t-trocadero-paris-to-z-challenge.html The Trocadero post from the 2012 A to Z challenge.

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Environmental Colors - Tankers vs. Whales

The protection of the North Pacific Humpback Whale has been downgraded. This was a government decision which seems to relate to Northern Gateway's oil distribution project.

These whales have recovered, so we are told, enough that we can risk them and our British Columbia coastal waters, for loading and transporting oil from Alberta onto tankers bound for foreign ports. How can they fix an oil spill in a space so vast? Look at the Valdez oil spill. . . or the Gulf of Mexico. . .

Humpback Whale, property of Nat'l Oceanic and Atmospheric Admin, US,  WC-PD*

A 'concern' means it will be watched due to possible hazards, such as collisions with shipping traffic, but the species is not considered enough of a 'concern' to protect its habitat. By changing the rating for the whale to a lesser degree, the requirement to protect that species' environment is no longer in effect. Loopholes.

Humpback whales like to breach and slap the water with their tale. These immense creatures can be seen in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South America, and the United States. The whales measure 39 to 52 feet (12-16 meters). A moratorium in 1966 (Wiki) was introduced as their population had fallen by 90%. So, now that whale numbers are looking better, we invite more shipping traffic. Does that make sense?

The Vancouver Sun newspaper article contains more information and the details of the federal 'review' panel. One example in the newspaper cited that Burnaby Mountain oil pipeline traffic would increase from 8 to 28 tankers or ships per month if approved.

What does that mean for marine parks on the Inlet? That much extra shipping traffic will affect any wildlife along the way. . .these parks line the Inlet. Herons and seals are seen in this inlet. The herons are fishing. What will happen to their food supply in such a small waterway?

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How Safe is the BC Coast? What do the experts say?

The oil companies say IF, and the environmentalists say WHEN a spill or leak happens. How confident are you that any oil company can FIX it?

This decision to downgrade the watch on a species that has previously been threatened, was made over the objections of concerned groups, environmentalists and scientists.


In the photo below, you see a few seals in our harbor, inquisitively looking up, another species which will be threatened by any negative change to our coastal waters. This photo was taken as we passed by on a ferry. If shipping traffic increases, will we still see sights like this?

Vancouver Harbour Seals, by DG Hudson

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Have you ever been whale watching? Have you cruised the coastal waters on either coast to see sea lions, seals or other wildlife?
Please leave a comment to let me know you were here, and thanks for stopping by. I'll respond.PS -  I saw my first whale in Victoria, BC. I've been Zodiak whale-watching with Tofino BC guides, on a choppy day. . .

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References:

This post inspired by an article in the newspaper. Bravo, Peter O'Neil.

Ottawa downgrades whale protection

Tanker traffic from pipeline project poses major threat to North Pacific humpback whale, critics say

Reference: Peter O'Neil, author
Front page article Tues Apr 22/14; Breaking News, Vancouver Sun

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Image of the *Humpback Whale, Public Domain

This image is in the public domain because it contains materials that originally came from the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, taken or made as part of an employee's official duties.
This is a file from the Wikimedia Commons.

The Penelopiad by M. Atwood, A Review

What would you do if your husband took a wrong turn on his way home, lost his ship, got tripped up by goddesses, and along the way fought a few battles. . .?

The Penelopiad Cover, by Margaret Atwood 

The Myth of Penelope and Odysseus * is well-known, but how did the lady feel about it? Waiting all that time. . .was she true, or did she have lovers? Rumors were rampant. And those twelve maids, were they helping their mistress, or undermining her authority? It's a matter of viewpoint.


In The Penelopiad. . .we hear the other side

As the years stretched out and Odysseus didn't return, Penelope tired of keeping the suitors fed, entertained and out of trouble. Caught in her falsehood about the shawl that she weaves and pulls apart, she must set a date and a requirement for the husband to replace Odysseus. (see * below)

If you remember the mythology or epic poetry from some time in your past, you may remember how Penelope resolved the matter. In Atwood's version, we are treated to Penelope's skewed reasoning and patient acceptance of the crosses she must bear (Odysseus' roaming adventures and her cousin, Helen of Troy). 

Ideas and themes discussed include the double standard between the sexes and classes, the fairness of justice, and competitively antagonistic female relationships. Using the viewpoint of Penelope, this story takes on a different angle, less ominous. One that rings truer to life. The truth of any subject is determined by your perspective.

The Penelopiad has been translated into 28 languages around the globe. Some critics think the writing of this book typical of Atwood, while others found some aspects disagreeable, e.g., the chorus of maids near the end of the book. I tend to agree with those in the second group. I recommend it, if you like mythology.

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* The Odyssey, one of two ancient Greek epic poems attributed to Homer, centers on the Greek hero, Odysseus and his journey home after the fall of Troy. It takes Odysseus ten years to reach Ithaca after the ten year Trojan War. It is assumed he has died, and therefore his wife Penelope and son Telemachus must deal with an unruly group of suitors who compete for Penelope's hand in marriage.

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Have you read this book or any book by Margaret Atwood? Do you like books that spoof fairy tales and myth?

Please leave a comment to let me know you were here, and I'll respond. Thanks for dropping by!

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References:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Penelopiad - Wiki on The Penelopiad

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odyssey Homer's Odyssey

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WEP - Louvre Antiquities Letter: The April Fool

Who's that in the Mirror? I don't recognize this face, everything is different except my eyes. New nose, cheekbones, lips, and chin. I no longer exist as I was.

 Part 2 - The April Fool

See bottom of post for Part 1, Take Me Away

The Louvre Museum courtyard, Paris, by DG Hudson

I looked at the charcoal grey envelope in my hand held close, as if I might lose it. This was my freedom letter. The last thread of my old life. . . before they kidnapped my sister. The envelope had been exactly where I was told to find it, in a cleverly concealed narrow crevice in the back of the Sekhmet statue. Perhaps the Egyptians had passed missives that way too.

An employee at the Louvre, a friend of my sister's lawyer, placed it there thinking that it was a letter between lovers. The message looks harmless unless you know the code. I'm going to London to validate it, I need the cash. I've got to move fast. Once those two bodies are found, there will be no guarantees. I'll find a surgeon and a new face in Paris. French doctors ask few questions.

Egyptian Antiquities, Louvre Museum, by DG Hudson

As I sit waiting in the private train compartment at the Gare St. Lazare, my thoughts are interrupted by the rumble of the engines, the ringing of the bells and blowing of the whistles, interwoven with the slightly oily smell and the hissing of the air brakes. I  close my eyes to shut out the noise and drift into a short nap, finding myself back in that dimly lit hallway of an older apartment building. . .

. . .I'm walking down the corridor. . .I hear small noises like talking, I'm almost there, get ready, release the safety, secure grip, push door, throw in a smoke device. It lands between them on the bed. This man killed my sister. They turn as one, I aim and fire, intent only on accuracy. Snick! Smoke is filling the room. No witnesses. Aim. Snick! Keep moving fast. . .  Focus. Remove silencer, empty chambers, get out of the building. Into the car and on the road.

I woke with a start, as the train lurched forward. My breathing was shallow, my hands trembling. 

Back in Paris

Yesterday, I went to the old cafe in the Marais. The surgeon said no one would recognize me. On the Right bank, near Pont Louis Philippe, sits the bistro of the same name. I ate here on a regular basis in the past; they held a table for me most days. The cafe owner always stopped by my table, to talk to the lonely American mademoiselle, he said. I sat at a different table the first time after the surgery and they treated me as if a new customer. On the second visit to the Cafe Louis Phillippe, I sat at my old table, but none of the waiters working now had been here five years ago.

Who's the April Fool now?

(To be continued)

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Take Me Away- Part 1 of the Louvre Antiquities Letter
January 2014 WEP

As I gaze at the Seine River from the Pont D'Iena, I don't regret what I have done. My past life is gone forever. My family, my work, all gone. I wish the river would take me away too, but I have a few things to do first.

In this, my new beginning, I burned the letters which would incriminate others. They were worth a fortune. But there is one more, an important one. The Paris letter is hidden in the lower levels of the Louvre, in one of the statues in Antiquity.

I know which one. . .
(end of Part 1)

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Please let me know you were here in the comments and thanks for dropping by! Remember to visit the other participants on the WEP list at the Denise Covey Blog.

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Write. . .Edit. . .Publish - the Monthly Bloghop

Write…Edit…Publish! or WEP welcomes you to submit any of the following – flash fiction, poetry, non-fiction or playscripts to a word count of 1,000 words – artwork and photographs accompanied by your written inspiration in creating your works.

Would you like to challenge yourself?

Next Challenge: Failure or is it? May 2014
Owner/Originator: Denise Covey; details at her website

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Paris - A Flâneur's View and Art Mini-Tour

ART mini tour: 2014 A to Z Blog Challenge:

During the month of April, my Rainforest Writing Blog is presenting a theme on ART: Artists, Art Trivia, and Art Legends. This theme is part of the A to Z Blog Challenge hosted by bloggers for bloggers and readers. Hope you can drop by!

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Now, back in Paris. . .

At the Carnavalet Museum

A quiet place to sit and listen to the sounds of the city before entering a treasury of historical memories. And no-flash photos may be taken in some areas in the museum. Herein lies a history lesson of the best kind - remember the people.

Carnavalet Museum Garden, Paris, by Green Eye
 

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An Arc with a View

The Arc de Triomphe, Paris, from ground level by DG Hudson

The architectural interest in The Arc de Triomphe and the history represented make it a worthwhile visit. If you can make it to the top, the view will give you a good idea of how the inner city of Paris is designed. Monuments make us feel small in the grand plan, but they also illustrate the ingenuity of man. Save some Euros for the bookstore.



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Eiffel Graffiti or a Signing Wall?

The Signing Wall at the Eiffel Tower, by DG Hudson

In a city as important as Paris, a person wants to leave his mark, but in a non-destructive way. 'Love locks' on a gate , 'I was here' signings, reviews, and photographs. Some may have left a kiss on the Wilde monument in Pere Lachaise, but that's been changed. Details play a part in our memory of a place.

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Enjoyed this Paris mini-tour? Are you participating in the A to Z Blog Challenge?

Please let me know you were here in the comments and I'll respond. Thanks for dropping by! Good luck if you're in the A to Z!

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