Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Bye bye Paris Plage


Everything comes to an end and so does Paris Plage... This year I did not even have the time to visit it more than twice (that is day one and today, for this photo!). This year was bigger than ever: 400 tons of sand were used (twice as much as last year), new "beaches" were created, both the right and the left bank hosted the event and an extra spot was even created along the Bassin de la Villette (not far from where I took this photo) in the 19th arrondissement. Shame the weather was so bad this year...

66 comments:

  1. Ah, but you made the most of it Eric. I didn't realize it had its own branding logo too! I'm sure you got your tanning done in any case.

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  2. The white border around the image is repeated off center too. Is this a composite?

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  3. That is my favorite shade of pure, oxygen blue, as blues go.

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  4. uselaine tries to imagine where a plage/strand/beach could be created in Willits...

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  5. ...then she tries to think about it in French...

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  6. ...then she remembers she doesn't know any French. Ce la vie.

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  7. Uselaine, you got GF, I think. ;)

    I have a question. What do they do with all the sands? Surely they don't dump it into the Seine? Now that would be in-Seine. Groan.

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  8. Apologies to anyone subscribing to this by email or a feed reader.

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  9. Tomate - Maybe they take it to a great, big kitty park.

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  10. ...uselaine imagines rows and rows of short sided boxes full of sand in a park in Willits, and how happy all the kitties are...

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  11. So, is Eric a cat person? Or a dog person?

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  12. ...uselaine tries to imagine the great, big municipal pooper scooper required for the kitty park. not a pretty thought...

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  13. ...uselaine wonders how long she could survive in Paris, alone, deep inside her head where she is so used to being, no French, no money (because she has no Euros)...

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  14. ...no kitty, and no dog, for that matter, to keep her warm through the cold, cruel nights beside the hard, stone paved river, all the sand taken away...

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  15. ...then she thinks she could try busking. but then she remembers she doesn't play an instrument usefully and hasn't sung in over a decade...

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  16. Petrea wonders why no one else is commenting and how did uselaine manage to take over Paris Daily Photo?

    Eric, I remember the photo from the first day of Paris Plages! How did summer end so quickly? I'm sorry you didn't have perfect weather for lying in all that wonderful sand.

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  17. ...then she remembers she could be cold, broke, and starving right here in Willits if she doesn't get back to work... Aaaack!!!

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  18. Like Tomate, I also wonder what happens to all the sand... I hope to make it to Paris one day while this is going on - it's hard for me to imagine, but it sounds like fun.

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  19. USElaine, Merci, That was unique. No one has ever taken over PDP (funny one Petrea). I think the crown is what did it -- it went to USElaine's head. She said some very clever and funny things. I'm still smiling. I like the series about the kitty box. I hope this isn't going to be a requirement for wearing the crown -- to say clever and funny things. So much pressure.

    That photo has tons of Parisian style. Advertising as an artform. And the background is dreamy. I don't mind the rain a bit. Is that USElaine walking on the sidewalk?

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  20. Alexa wonders if she can stop laughing long enough to say that there should be some sort of special special prize today. 20 comments and 16 of them are uselaine's. You are the Michael Phelps of PDP!

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  21. Summer is over? Damn, that went fast. And to think I spent most of it behind various computers ... argghh...

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  22. Perhaps they're at the beach, tomate.

    Alexa, you made me laugh! Perhaps there's a gold medal for usElaine.

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  23. Eric...maybe next year the Paris Plages promoters will defer to you for some publicity photos. Though, it will be hard though to top last year's B&W photo of the little boy dancing in the water. I think that was definitely a MAGIC moment. One of my favorites. The colors are striking in this poster. Cool and crisp...like the Bill Evans Trio.

    Lois...I think US Elaine definitely took the gold on that series. Don't tell the Olympic gymnastics judges though; they might try to take it away and give it to Bibi or La Vache or god forbid, a Tomato! ;-) Actually, she "Willitsed" herself to Paris on that verbal blast. Move aside you beat poets because PDP has its own Slammer! Heck by the time US Elaine hit "pooper scooper" I knew she was already flying over Greenland; and by the time she hit "busking," man she was dining in Jules Verne, ETETET. I score her a perfect "10." [but don't celebrate too early because some judge might throw out that high score]. USE, will you settle for a High Ten?

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  24. Eric, sorry you only made it to Paris Plage 2X this summer. You were probably too busy creating this blog for us. Of course, I think it was totally worth the sacrifice :~} — hope you agree at least a little.
    Maybe next year you can have the PDP picnic on the Paris Plage (and we can all chip in and buy uselaine a plane ticket).

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  25. Je croyais qu'à la Villette on tranche le lard . . .

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  26. Summer gone already??? Oh my goodness! I've only been to the beach once, but it has been such a cool summer here, not even above 90 one day yet! But here come the mid-80's again, yippee!

    Hope everyone enjoys their summer, at least, what's left of it!

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  27. Summer is not over. It has been beautiful here, anyway. Love the photo,though I don't know Villette enough to identify those red doors. Oh, wait, is that next to the locks, near Stalingrad?

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  28. USE, will you settle for a High Ten?

    Coltrane, I will settle for a High Ten-in, if I can actually score that gratis plane ticket to witness him in such a state in person! They always say visualization is the key... ;^)

    ...uselaine thinks she better lie low for a while...

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  29. Bonjour Eric, bonjour à tous et à toutes! Je suis très contente de me joindre à cette formidable communauté de Daily Photo. Since everyone here comments in English, I'll simply follow through.

    Eric, it's a delight to read about Paris,esp from the perspective of a friendly Parisian. You're very photogenic - a genius in photography. Paris dazzles with a brilliant smile under your tinted lenses :)

    For the tremendous pleasure deriving from PDP, I'm happily obliged.

    Keats

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  30. uselaine is bored, isn't she? ;op

    I'm torn between summer being over. On the one hand Owen is back in school on Thursday so I can get more done in the morning. On the other, where did my summer of sleeping in go?!? That's right, I never had one. What's worse is I barely even had a staycation! Oh well, perhaps next summer will be better.

    Beautiful shot, eric, btw!

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  31. I have had one of the most challenging summers of my life, so I'm not sure if I am sad that it is almost over, but PDP never fails to make me smile! After reading todays comments I realize that is why I continue to visit. I think it's the combination of art appreciation and humor!
    Uselaine (& everyone)you are so funny!
    Nice blue Eric.

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  32. I am catching up as I haven't been near a computer for 4days. I walked Butte aux Caille yesterday because I am very much interested in French and British graffiti due to Eric and his postings. I saw the statue you pictured, as it was right near lots of grafitti by Jeff Aerosole.
    How ironic it was on your post that I am viewing NOW!I had no idea. There were loads of Miss Tic there, too. I also will go to see the B. Obama grafitti you pictured, in the future.I was going to ask you for more grafitti!! Thanks!
    One day, I hope to lecture on the subject of French, British and New York grafitti, and have already bought lots of books on the subject. You really have influenced my life, Eric.
    PS- I saw a piece of grafitti art of Sarkosy and it had the word connard-I figured it wasn't duck, but I don't know what it means.HELP!

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  33. PDP is attracting some big names these days. Paris has a way of doing that. "Keats" welcome back to the living. Just as you were getting ready to step through the Pearly Gates, you thought hmmm, Paris...at least one last time. Personally,I always thought had you stuck around a while longer you would have out-Shakespeared Will Shakespeare (or at least given him a run for his couplets), but I'm sure you've heard that before. In any case, enjoy your time here for Beauty is Truth, Truth Beauty...and Eric's bringing it 7 days a week! ;-)

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  34. Oh PHX-CDG, you've opened a can of worms I'm not sure you wanted to! "I saw a piece of grafitti art of Sarkosy and it had the word connard-I figured it wasn't duck, but I don't know what it means.HELP!" Just wait until Guille comes along. She'll "educate" you! And when are you here next?

    This is the first year I haven't been to Paris Plage, but I think it's the weather that discouraged me. Nothing like a cold day, rain, and cold sand to turn off this Florida boy. However, I'm happy for the loads of people who were able to enjoy it.

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  35. Oh ce bleu est magnifique... Eric, I like the way you included the other embankment in the picture.
    It has its own branding logo...Quite amazing. It's a business.
    The summer was so bad that I only went there twice too. Once I did fencing, it was great!

    Uselaine you made my day. I'm still laughing. I love your sense of humour. And the fact that you speak alone. LOL

    You're mean Michael, you're so mean. So, dear PHX, connard is not duck (but THIS is funny) but jerk...And I am nice. :p Enjoy Paris (by rain)!

    Welcome Keats!


    No internet connexion in my new appartment, I'll miss you guys. ;)

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  36. GUILLE...

    WHAT ? I didn't intend to be "mean". I just knew that you would have the best definition ;-)


    WHAT 2 ?? No Internet connection? Please tell us this is a temporary hiccup!

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  37. Guille & Coltrane_lives, thanks very much for the warm reception. We have one thing in common - mutual admiration for the English language and linguistics.

    Coltrane_lives, I got the distinct impression you were someone blessed with poetic sensibility and eloquence. Would sincerely welcome an opportunity to exchange our ideas on heroic couplets, elegiac couplets, etc.

    I still cherish a very tender affection for Shakespeare, but have recently instilled a genuine passion for prose. Would gladly settle for a Prix Goncourt, my propensity for self-aggrandisement LOL :)

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  38. Very nice shot. This blue, hmmmm.
    Bye, bye Paris Plage, OK, but luckily it is still OK for a ride en 'vélo-vélib' in Paris!

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  39. Michael, well played... On appelle ça 'se raccrocher aux branches'!! (alexa do you know the idiomatic expression in English? You're my official translator).

    About the WHAT 2, yeah, no internet yet, but don't worry, it's temporary, I can't stay away from you (you all, not only you.LOL).

    Keats, after 'welcome', you're welcome! We definitely share a passion for the English language. Where are you from?

    Guille (from her father's office).

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  40. Keats...too funny! "Prix Goncourt" huh? (BTW Eric has covered that on PDP) My French isn't that good for the PG, but "if by dull rhymes our English must be chain'd", I'm your man. :-)

    Guille...nice new profile. We can actually see you!

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  41. Guille, I'm from Hong Kong.

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  42. Coltrane_lives, "Pour bien se parler on a souvent besoin de se mettre à table." You're officially invited to Le Salon Goncourt, Drouant. Courtesy of Keats :-)

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  43. Too bad the weather didn't cooperate this year, but it made for a nice photo with the splash of rain drops on the sign.

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  44. Hey! Welcome, Keats!

    Hmm. If I start with "Hey," am I still qualified as a lover of language? (English and French)

    Rhetoric B.A., actor and writer, lover of Shakespeare (for the feeling of those words in my mouth, ah!). Listen to me, spouting my resumé because I want to join the PDP "I love language" club!

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  45. All the world's a plage,
    And all we men and women PDP'ers;
    We have our exits and our entrances;
    And one man in his time takes many shots
    (photos, that is...)

    Bienvenue M. Keats.

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  46. ColTrane, "Willitsed" my thoughts exactly, however, I could not find the words to express it. "Beauty is Truth, Truth Beauty...and Eric's bringing it 7 days a week! ;-)" Oh man! sigh. Coltrane, you are really something. I too love Eric's photo of the little boy in the mist from last year's plage photos. It's a classic.

    Christie, I didn't go to the plage once this summer. Summer is Winter in San Francisco. I can see the Pacific Ocean from my apartment if it is not covered in fog!

    Keats, Your style in writing is stunning, beautiful. Love it!

    Lily Hydrangea, "the combination of art appreciation and humor" That's what's doin' it for me, and plus, Eric is such a cutie -- "very photogenic".

    Michael, "wait until Guille comes along. She'll "educate" you!" You mean our sweet little brat; opps, I mean our sweet little ANGEL. And she looks just like an angel in her profile photo. So sweet and absolutely love-able.

    Petrea, "PDP "I love language" club!" You are so funny and cute. You are already in the club; I think you are one of the original members. ;-)

    Cali, I thought the rain drops on the sign were a nice touch too. Eric did that on purpose -- you know.

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  47. Coltrane, and you couldn't see me on the other ones?..

    Lois thx for Angel. Actually, I like 'brat', Rose called me like that (where is SHE??). I'm used to it now.

    Petrea, the "PDP I Love Language Club", LOOOL, nice one. We could name it the PDP ILL CLUB. I'm a PDPer Ill Cluber. Yeah.

    Guille, who has an internet access for 10 minutes. It was really temporary! Thanks my room mate.

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  48. Keats, Hong Kong....alala. I need an exotic place right now!!

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  49. Guille,
    "on appele ça se raccrocher aux branches "
    je profite toujours de PDP pour améliorer mon anglais, en attendant le traduction officielle d'Alexa, je dirais : "don't try to make up for what you wrote before " mais je suis impatiente d'avoir la version d'Alexa.
    Hope you'll get Internet soon, missing your comments and a little jealous of your English vocabulary !!!!

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  50. I'm jealous of Guille's English vocab and the fact that she got to fence!

    The Ill club has an interesting sound to it. ;-)

    You are right about Eric, Lois. Which part? All of it!

    Impressive resumé, Petrea. Do spout more and more often.

    Uselaine: a High Ten-in settling? Hardly! LOL. And I think Phx has found a winner for her new prize.

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  51. Jeff, I love your poetry, too! So did my Shakespeare Prof. husband!!
    So,Guille, I can call the pax in 4J a connard while I hide behind the first class curtain?(I think I need to study my verbs before I start calling people names).
    Welcome, Keats!!

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  52. Jeff, your "Shakespeare" is wonderful.

    "on appele ça se raccrocher aux branches "
    could it have a similar meaning to "Don't cry over spilled milk"?

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  53. Waaahhhhh...!!! Mon Dieu..don't tell me it is the end of the summer, zeee rentree approaches and I haven't even begun to work on my tan! In foggy San Francisco a tan isn't always so easy to maintain. We still have September and October to look forward to..which are usually great weatherwise.

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  54. Cali, Right! all of it. You must really be working hard. I haven't heard from you since you said "my boss just walked in". haaaaaaa Are you saying that your boss doesn't pay you to comment on PDP. The nerve!

    Guille, I too am impressed with your English. It's just beautiful!

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  55. Hi from South Shields, nice picture you have here today.Summer has been very poor here too Eric, such a shame.

    I need your support, see my latest post at South Shields Daily Photo

    Photographers rights in the UK and worldwide are under increasing threat and we need to make a stand now!

    Unless something changes dramatically, this will be the last ever post at South Shields Daily Photo.

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  56. Laurent Voulzy has made a couple of Plage songs. I remember one from last summer -- it was played on Paris radio stations a lot.

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  57. Guille -- okay, here goes nothing: I think it means that Michael tried to make up for his faux pas (saying that you would certainly know what connard means) by insisting that he was actually flattering you.
    Pretty much what Marylene said, I think. So do we get a gold star? Too busy to even try to add anything erudite or poetic to the discussion, but sure have enjoyed everyone else's wit!

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  58. Jeff...High fives to you brother! "All the world's a plage"...that's classic man!

    Lil G...I only meant that it is refreshing to see both of your "beauteous eyes" from behind the sunglasses. ;-)Your profile shot on your profile was fine too.

    Lois...am I repeating myself again?;-) I'll take my exit now.

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  59. Coltrane & Jeff, I just received an email saying:

    Cool - what types of gifts does the Baron bear? There has to be some naughty limerick in there somewhere. Where are Jeff and Coltrane when you need them?

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  60. Lois, you're wond'ring about a gift
    From the Baron, I get your drift.
    I bet he's quite debonair
    And makes quite a flair
    Buying a necklace for his little mischief! ;-)

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  61. Coltrane, That's good. Cali and I knew you would see something there. You have a million of them; or better yet, a billion. I'm a "little mischief". I love it.

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  62. Thanks everyone! This is, indeed, a very amicable community.

    Petrea, I'd gladly embrace you without your spouting the resumé. You are so funny!

    Jeff, surprise! Keats has undergone some metamorphoses and is now a mademoiselle :)

    Lois Simon, I'm glad you like it.

    Guille, likewise! I'm craving for something exotic...

    Phx_cdg, thanks!

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  63. Does topless sunbathing (for women) occur here as it does in the south of France?

    Curious. ;)

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