Wednesday, August 13, 2008

The wisest among the wise


This is the main staircase of the Senate in Paris, near the the Luxembourg gardens. And guess who is likely to use it today (Wednesday)? Well, the Dalaï Lama who is currently in France and has been invited to pay a visit to a bunch of Senators, but only in private (sorry, I won't show you the Dalaï Lama climbing the stairs!). His visit is highly controversial - as many things in France are. Some regret that President Sarkozy won't see him, some say it's normal and some find it suspicious this sudden fad for a man that represents the 3rd 4th religion in France (600,000 Buddhist followers in France) .

52 comments:

  1. Cool photo, what to say? Love it! Love the angle

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  2. ha! Golden Paw for Bibi, beating out Louis' Golden Hoof!

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  3. Awesome perspective! As if I were taking that first step!

    Keep up the good work, Eric!

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  4. I love the repetition of the pattern, as well as the horizon effect. The red is so vibrant and eye catching...

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  5. Eric, That is a really gorgeous carpet, and your angle with the camera is unique. At first glance, it looked flat sort of. I love red and gold together. You're commenting on "religion" and "politics". I guess you are a "dare-devil". I wonder if PDP is going to get all heated up again, and you'll have to offer everyone a drink.

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  6. Okay, here I come, miss opinionated--
    Actually, so far I'm only provoked to say I love this photo! I feel privileged to see this staircase, but is that so? Can anyone visit the building of the Senat? Could I stand there where you stood and take a picture? I find the perspective thrilling. Thank you, Eric.

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  7. I see a couple of spots on that carpet. I'm sending some Woolite ASAP.

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  8. No No No, Justine is FIRST, acording to the "rules".We will have to had a different set of rules for all the animals among us!

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  9. Eric -- Thanks! I've always wanted to see the inside of the Senate building. As always, you find the most interesting angle. But did you get to see the Dalai Lama? I encountered him last month—couldn't take a picture but put it on my blog anyway.

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  10. PHX -- what about anonyme?

    And, hey, congrats to Bibi on GP, if not GF!

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  11. Yikes, PHX -- I'm confused about the rules, too! (Thus my question a few days ago about Sue...) As keeper of the sacred tablets, can you let us know whats going on!!!

    I hate this thing where I'm too busy to check in. (I just got to read all of yesterday's posts now.) Ecch..I say, work should not get in the way of life! ; } Time for a virtual mojito. 8^)
    Ahhh -- that's mush beddr.

    Oh -- the photo -- that's what I come to look at -- very, very cool angle Eric. I thought it was flat for a second, too. It pulls you right in. Love this patchwork quilt of Parisian life we are given. It all adds up to more than the sum of its parts.

    Oh, well, back to the grindstone. Thanks to all for uplifting, funny, thought-provoking posts.
    A-toodle-er.

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  12. Okay Alexa, you can be Carol Channing and I'll be Satchmo. On the count of three...one, two, three, "Hello Dalai, this is Carol and Louis, Dalai. It's so nice to have you back where you belong. You're lookin' swell Dalai, we can tell Dalai. You're still growin', you're still crowin', you're still goin' strong..."

    Eric, I think Paris (even a senator or two) is fortunate, as was NYC, to have the opportunity to listen to this amazing spiritual leader. BTW...I nearly tripped going down these stairs, but the young lady on the right broke my fall. She was a dear.;-)

    As for Bibi...grant her at least a GP!

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  13. This photo just popped out of the page for me. I love the color.

    Also, I accidentally stumbled upon your site some time ago, and thought, "That's an awesome idea." I decided to do the same here in Cincinnati. Then, I discovered the whole City Daily Photo movement. So thank you. Merci.

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  14. Carrie, Alexa and others:I don't know how I found this so quickly, but here is the genesis of everything GF and the Constitution.
    Feb 16,2008 started it all. I said I was homebound and we could have the fastest finger on 3 continents contest ... and Feb 17, 21, 22 you can see the "Am I first?" lines that ensued.
    On Feb 24,2008 (I am about 10 lines down)starts it all and just keep reading, with Rose, Lynn ,Monica and Petra adding to it. They are really funny.
    Truth be told now, I really was taking a class on the US Constitution at the time and because it was on my mind, just made the leap to here, all in fun. And it WAS!
    If you don't feel like reading all that, just write 2 FULL LINES about the picture and you win the Golden Finger award for the day. Good Luck!

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  15. Eric, I have to say you are so inspiring to me. This is a great shot. I learn something new about creativity every time I visit here. You are helping me keep my daily photo blog alive. Merci.
    Lois I agree, Eric is definitely the daredevil, but your comment about pdpers getting all heated up and him offering us a drink is hilarious. That is actually what happened, isn't it?
    & Petrea, hopefully I won't sound too presumptious by saying that as I read your comment I imagined how you really were holding back a whole lot!
    & just a suggestion, everyone go to Alexa's link that she posted. there is a memorable little story about the Dalai Lama there.

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  16. First of all, lily hydrangea -- Eric should be very impressed that he inspires you. I've told all my Long Island (where I grew up) friends and relatives to check out your excellent blog.

    phx-cdg -- I'm going back to check out your rules and regulations—should be interesting. Since you were studying the Constitution (something our erstwhile leader has clearly never done—oops, did I say that out loud?), I'll tell you that my 8X great-grandfather had a bit to do with that document. He was Roger Sherman, the only person to sign the Declaration of Independence (and helped draft it), Constitution, Articles of Confederation, and Articles of Association. Thomas Jefferson said of him: "That is Mr. Sherman of Connecticut, a man who has never said a foolish thing in his life." (This is clearly a statement Mr. Jefferson would never have made about Mr. Sherman's 8X great-granddaughter!)
    I'm also proud of this ancestral association because I know that les Francais (sorry, Guille, no cedille) were inspired by these guys when they planned their own "changes.")

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  17. Oh, and coltrane -- I wish! (I'd be only too happy to fulfill my lifelong Broadway dream with you).

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  18. Coltrane: The lady on the stairs may have broken your fall, but she is breaking my heart! Meeoow!

    Love the photo, too. I didn't know anyone could...oh, I forgot, Eric is le Roi de Soleil, not just anyone. Of course they let him in!

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  19. Alexa, the fact that anyone here would be impressed by my blog just makes a giant smile appear on my face. Thank you.

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  20. I wasn't holding back a thing, Lily, except I admire the Dalai Lama very much. Plus you have an admirable blog.:)

    Oh and PHX has created an admirable constitution for us, and Alexa has an admirable heritage.

    And Coltrane, you crack me up.

    Oh and Carrie: A-toodle-er! I love it.

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  21. I love the perspective of this photo.

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  22. Eric, maybe it is just a spelling mistake but Buddhism is "only" the 4th religion in France, quite a surprising figure though.
    Je profite de l'occasion pour vous remercier encore pour votre blog, la qualité des images ....et des commentaires....tout cela est très enrichissant. Même mon niveau d'anglais progresse !!!

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  23. Hello, Bloggers. I don't truly care if I was first to get the GP, or GF, today; just happened to drop by at midnight-ish. I did write two full sentences/lines; okay, I didn't press hard enough for the period at the end of my second FULL sentence, but it happens to the best of us, canine or not. ("Love it! you can take as an imperative sentence, or linguistically,as one of those where the "I" is understood! Et un point, c'est tout!

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  24. Wha nice perspective. J'ai un peu le vertige...
    I don't know if it is a nice pattern but it totally fits to the Senate!! sober and classical. A bit square too. LOL

    About the Dalai Lama, I don't know. Everything is controversial here when it's about politics so...I'm just curious to know what the Chinese Govt will say about it. One thing is sure, no regret that Sarkozy won't see him!

    Coltrane and then Jeff, LOOOL you are funny, you saw the girl in the pix, we (women) saw the pattern of the carpet. I didn't even notice these wonderful legs before. ;)

    Bibi, or anynonyme, or Justine...congratulation. (confusing)

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  25. At first I just couldn't see what this is.
    Lovely carpet BTW and what a huge staircase.
    Eric, I think you should lurk around the Senate today, using the same patiente as the other day with the velo photo,and you might be lucky enough to get a shot of the Dalai Lama, it would be a real PDP scoop.

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  26. Thanks, Bettina. I agree with Bibi; don't care who's first; just happened along at the right time, and anyway, why should someone else make up rules for someone's blog???? Some viewers seem to be sour grape-ers!

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  27. Ooops. Meant "Thanks, Guille!"

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  28. I love how you remain very neutral in all your posts, while creating controversy in the comments section!! ;-)

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  29. Back to the topic of the Dalai Lama's visit to the Senate. Did you know that since this is a "private visit" the media will not be allowed to film the event or take photos? I was amazed by this censorship, which is a direct result of the Chinese pressure on the French government.
    Vive la liberté d'expression!

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  30. So much is said about the Dalaï Lama, and whether or not Sarkozy will see him., - and what the Communist government of China has to say on all of this.

    The important point that is being made here, is that the Dalaï Lama is making a visit to the Senat to plead his case for the people of his nation, Thibet.

    He deserves to be heard. He deserves to be respected.

    He has seen his people murdered and tortured by an oppressive communist regime. A regime that props up western civilization by manufacturing shirts and electrical goods that we buy for two or three dollars.

    He stands for human rights, for tolerance when faced with EVIL. He stands for humour and love of one's fellow man. He is now an old man, but he is a beautiful person with compassion and forgiveness in his heart.

    He is a man of deep respect and compassion.
    Let us pray that he walks the steps of the Senat and finds an ear that listens and finally places his agenda higher that the carpet upon which he treads.

    That is what I think. That is perhaps what Eric is implying.

    N'est-ce pas ?

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  32. Two years ago, I was attending a conference in Austin Texas and staying at the Four Seasons Hotel. The Dalai Lama was also in Austin to speak at the University of Texas and staying at the same hotel. We ran into each other on the elevator, me by myself, him surrounded by his attendants. He was very gracious, greeting me with a smile, a few words and a little bow. It was one of those surreal experiences.

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  33. So we should assume Sharon, that you at least did the blogger thing and took out your camera and took a photo for your blog?!

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  34. Petrea, I like the Dalai Lama too!

    & m. benaut I hope he finds someone's ear that will listen.

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  35. This really is a great photo. The details in the immediate foreground contrasts the loooong perspective. All the people are oriented to the right. The carpet pattern (yes I noticed!) spreads the eye both left and right to the outside of the stairway (and directly to the pretty lady). Like a good philosophy or religion, what is in front of you now is in clear detail, but you must be guided by a long term vision. There will be distractions!

    Marylene: Je garantis que votre anglais est bien mieux que mon Français! (I probably just proved it.)

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  36. Jeff, not at all.
    Your sentence is perfectly good, right words and correct writing. I even noticed that you managed to avoid any word with accent so that your keyboard doesn't betray you !!!!

    My major concern, when I comment in English on a blog, is to be sure to get the right word, (I write very slowly because I prefer to check on a dictionary) it is so easy to be misunderstood, "faux amis", different meaning or connotation between English and American.....
    When I say that my level of expertise in English would increase, I also mean that I learn a lot about American culture, people, events... All the comments I read teach me a lot. You are all very talented and of an amazing cultural level persons.

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  37. Great comment m. benaut!

    This photo is amazing. It gives me the dizzies, Eric! I am about to fall down the stairs like Scarlet O'Hara.

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  38. Hey Katie, Where are you -- are you packing for Paris???? You must be really busy running around getting ready for your trip to Europe; hmmmmmmmm???

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  39. Thank you, M. Benaut, for a perfect post.

    I have hopes, which have soared higher in the last day. Am I wrong in thinking M. Sarkozy has been a bit of a hero in the Russia/Georgia conflict? Has his esteem grown in the eyes of his people? Could he possibly be a great statesman, a facilitator of peace, in more than one conflict?

    If he does not meet with the Dalai Lama this time, I hope there will be another time. The Dalai Lama has shown the patience of a saint.

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  40. LOL, GF is just a fun game played internationally. Even Eric has been amused by it. No one is forced to play. If it dies a natural death because of this, so be it. If it lives, play on!

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  41. Petra, I agree with you on Sarkozy. I don't think he is getting his due in the American press.My uncle ws asked by the gov't in Georgia to straighten out their court system,and since then, I have taken a great interest in the area. For good reporting, I suggest NPR in the US.

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  42. Definitely a striking photo. I would love to be in the presence of the Dalai Lama, even if it was only for a second.

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  43. PHX: I applaud anyone's interest in the world's affairs. I would love to work on improving the court system in Georgia. What a challenge.

    Marylene: Your English is great, don't feel bad about using a dictionary. I use online translators very much! To paraphrase a popular celebrity from independent cinema: I spend too much time commenting on PDP...in bad French. LOL

    (See archive May 9 Paris Daily Photo link to video)

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  44. Monsieur Benaut...well put. [Applause!...or for Bibi 'Appaws!']--sorry I couldn't help myself. Peace out!

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  45. These steps look like an "assident" (heads up, Phx, that's a Tomatism) waiting to happen. And such a loooong way to tumble. Great bird's eye view, Eric.

    Well, Phx, Sarkozy got his due at the Olympic Opening Ceremonies. Did you hear Bob Costas say he looked "dapper, as usual." Good luck to your uncle. Now if he could only straighten out the US court system or at the very least the PDP GF constitution ;-)

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  46. The Dalai Lama said tonight that he will meet Pdt Sarkosy on Dec.10th.

    And, Nathalie, there was a loooonnng report about His visit to the Senat on the TV news tonight, with a real lot of micros and cameras...

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  47. This is a great photo. However, it gives me a bit of vertigo. I think I'd probably choose the elevator. It's too bad the Dalai Lama's visit isn't public. Eric, I bet you would come back with a gerat photo!

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  48. Unique photo! I really like the colors, the angle, the people further down the staircase, and the idea that the Dalai Lama probably WILL take those steps.

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  49. I love the photo angle! And the color is so vibrant! Great job as usual, Eric...

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  50. Tres cool how you played upon that carpet pattern, Eric. And I'm glad you did not tumble down.
    I read in Olivier's blog that the Dalai Lama is visiting Evry. He was in Seattle this spring for a conference about children and compassion which had an enormous turn out.
    -Kim
    Seattle Daily Photo

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  51. Very intriguing photo Eric. I think you were lying on the floor again or in this case, the stairs.
    Bravo M. Benaut. The Dalai Lama is indeed a gentle man. 600,000 Buddhists in France is quite a few voters Mr. Sarkozy.

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