I passed by the Pont des arts today on my way to La cité de la mode (I'll show you why later) and every time I go there, I'm amazed by the increasing number of padlocks that lovers from all over the world attach to the grids. I read that the Paris Town hall is not too happy about it, but that there is not much they can do - especially with the large padlocks! As you can see from the way people are dressed, it was pretty chilly today - but not as cold as I expected.
I may not be in the majority here, but I'm afraid I'm with city hall on this one - I can hardly wait for this craze to pass. Looking at them doesn't make me think of love any more than looking at tagging does. I just feel like they're a blight. Why not show some love by donating a lock (or what you would have spent on this one you will never use) to someone who can't afford one?
ReplyDeleteI still like the photo, though, Eric! Thanks for all you do!!
ReplyDeleteit's not just that bridge that suffers! The one at the back of Notre Dame (no idea what it's called even though I walk over it regularly!).
ReplyDeleteAlways amazed by the number of people who bring pre-engraved digital padlocks (ie no keys!).
Fortunately this craze hasn't spread to London - but then our bridges are much bigger and usually solid stone!
And it's freezing here as well.
Eli
I agree with Carrie twice over.
ReplyDeleteThese are cute though.
Hey, I wonder if we can get rid of the problem by starting another urban legend. “If you really fall in love with someone (or out of love) you have to remove your previous lock(s) or be forever doomed to be connected to the wrong person. Hacksaws are available for rent at the town hall. Really. If you don’t remove them you will be stuck for life connected to the WRONG PERSON! Yes, THAT one.”
Hey Eric,
ReplyDeleteI was fascinated with this lovely tradition last year in Paris and did a whole post on the subject.
Wonder if these couples are still together? 50/50.
http://www.staceysnacksonline.com/2010/09/paris-padlocks-of-love.html
Eric,
ReplyDeleteI saw this on another blog just the other day. I think it is so cool. Just think of all the people from all over the world who has attached their heart to Paris. (Literally)
Kris
I sure wish Blogger would install a "Like" and "Unlike" button for the comments. Better yet, a "LOL" button would be great. Nice to see Tall Gary back btw!
ReplyDeleteAs for the locks, I agree it makes for great PDP photos, but when I saw guys there selling them to tourists, I think it's starting to go too far.
A like button for the posts would be great, for those of us who are too lazy to comment! ;)
ReplyDeleteTo all the 'breakers', Carrie and Tall Gary included, this song is for you...enjoy :)
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cVRkeFYXWA
Megan even took photos of this in China! Haven't seen any in Mars or Pittsburgh, thought. :)
ReplyDeleteThese padlocks are so nice! I really enjoy the photo!!
ReplyDeleteThey're back! I have to admit, I love the idea of sharing a lock with my sweet hubby and my favorite city. This would be something that I would do, but my lock would definitely be heart-shaped! :)
ReplyDeleteThis reminds me of the graffiti wall at Verona at "Juliette's" balcony ... I'm undecided as to whether or not I like it. I'm more intrigued with the notion, ritual and imagery behind the whole thing -- what propels a human to do something like this .... Is it infantile?? Superstitious? Wishful thinking? Hmmm... but definitely a lot cheaper than the wedding ritual:)
ReplyDeleteLove the way you shot down the bridge, Eric. I see more and more of these on the Brooklyn Bridge. They don't really bother me—but the fact that people are out there flogging them to the tourists does!
ReplyDeleteAlso want to say hi to Tall Gary: glad you're back. I like your idea.
ReplyDeleteThe locks were a cute idea, but they're more of an eyesore now on a lovely bridge. Somebody should offer a service to the Paris government to remove the locks (bolt cutter) for a fee. Maybe one euro for every ten locks, like a bounty on unwanted critters.
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ReplyDelete