I know this café looks like it was especially designed for a set in a movie (even the light looks like it originates from a projector!). And though, I swear I took it this morning close to the Notre Dame de Lorette church! I thought it was perfect for a Christmas eve photo. I'm on my way to Trouville (Normandy) for a family gathering but I'll be back soon - very soon! Have a nice Christmas dinner - if you celebrate Christmas of course - I, myself, will be eating oysters and foie gras, I'm sure...
I apologise in advance for the length of this post. But since it's Christmas and almost the end of the year, I wanted to make a small tribute to Eric, PDP and his fans. Enjoy or scroll way down...
ReplyDeleteHappy Holidays everyone!
‘Twas The Night Before (a PDP) Christmas
‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through Paree,
The stores were all crowded, a mass shopping spree;
The Metro was running, no strike had been planned,
Which pleased all the locals although it was crammed.
The wine stores were stocked with ever such care,
Ensuring St. Nicholas de Bourgeuil would be there;
The café’s were closing their doors for the night,
Sneaking a sip of Pastis out of sight.
Er-ic with his camera, and Paris in fog ,
Snuck out in the night to go work for his blog.
When out on the streets a noise from the gutter,
He sprang from his scooter to set up his shutter.
Away to the Seine he drove in a rash,
Wondering if he would need his strong flash.
The moon on the river showed like a bright flower,
But nothing could out shine the grand Eiffel Tower.
And what did his wondering eyes see afar,
But eight rented Velibs, and a brand new Smart Car.
With a little old driver, beret on his head,
He knew at that instant, Clause ditched the old sled.
The bikes fast as trains , their pedalling insane,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;
“Now, Tomate! Now, Pont Girl! Now, Jeff and John-ny!
On, Monica! on Suzy ! on PHX-CDG!
To the top of the Tower! To the top of the Arc !
Now blog away! Blog away! But watch where you park!”
And then, in a twinkling, Eric saw at the Louvre
One of the Velibs got stuck in a groove.
As he pulled out his camera and then turned around,
Down the pyramid fell, St. Nick to the ground.
Três impressed with the artwork, DaVinci and Co.
Not noticing Eric Tenin was below.
Clicking at speeds that would surprise even Rudolphe
Clause was ad-mir-ing, the statues, their clothes off.
Just like a child in an art candy store,
Clause still didn’t notice the guy on the floor.
His fans would be happy, they’d not think it Spam,
To see these “cool” shots, “Yes, I think even Ham!”
His eyes -- how they twinkled! He had a big grin!
His cheeks like Rosé, “I’ll take one for Lynn!”
Santa rushed through the musée, he practically ran,
“Perhaps Delacroix for Keropok Man?”.
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;
“Perhaps a small Rembrandt for Monsieur Benaut?”
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
“I’m sure Tonton_Flaneur would love this gold wreath!”;
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
Eric thought when he laughed, it looked like champagne jelly.
He then saw a flash from out of his eye,
“Hey, you’re the one, the PDP guy!”
Clause laughed when he saw him, spread out on the floor;
“Your blog’s quite successful, but you still want more!”
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Eric knew then, he had nothing to dread;
Eric spoke not a word, but continued his work,
“I’ve got photos of Santa!” He thought with a smirk!
Santa then ran, to the left escalator,
Shouting to Eric, “I’ll see you much later!”
Clause sprang to his Smart Car, nearly killing a jogger,
Leaving behind the world famous blogger.
He heard him exclaim, driving down rue de Rivoli,
“Sarkozy’s a bad boy, I hear he’s in Tripoli.”
Oh Michael you're the best!!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your tribute to PDP and all its fans, which of course includes you!!! I'm impressed with your poem, you're really good at it. I'm sure Eric's going to love it, as will everyone else.
As for myself, I can only say it brought tears to my eyes to see how thoughtful you are and how you mentioned everybody and remembered such great PDP shots/moments throughout the year... so lovely of you!!!
I wish the best Xmas ever to everyone here. I'm very happy to have met you too Michael and I wish someday I'll be able to meet many other PDP fans.
Joyeux Noêl Eric!!! Merry Christmas dear friends!!!
Joyeux Noël, Eric! Amusez-vous bien à Hole City. ;)
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas, Eric.
ReplyDeleteMichael and Eric, I have a little something for you too this
ReplyDeleteXmas
I'm sure you'll have a good laugh..!
...and thanks for the dis, Michael!
ReplyDeleteJust got the email from Monica to get over to PDP and now I see why! How CLEVER and funny! I loved it. I will expect you to entertain us again with something as delightful and upbeat next year, Michael. Or even do something else for us so we don't have to wait as long as next December.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteYou were right Eric. This is the perfect Christmas eve picture. Safe Journey to you and Joyeux Noêl!
ReplyDeleteI'm not new to PDP, but new to posting here. I always love the pictures of the beautiful city. And I must say, Michael, your poem is a hoot. Joyeux Noël, Eric and all!
ReplyDeleteAhh Buzzgirl, I really tried. I didn't leave you out on purpose....
ReplyDeleteLOL Monica! I loved the Elfing link! Thanks!!!
ReplyDeleteA bright and merry photo, though I'm astonished that there are still tales and chairs out in the cold. Who would like to sit there? But they look very nice as a Christmas decoration in red and yellow.
ReplyDeleteI'm rather new at Daily and I've read that you have invented it. So let me thank you very much for this great idea and the wonderful community that has grown.
I wish you a merry Christmas, joyeux Noel.
Je te souhaite un JOYEUX NOEL et te propose de venir chanter Noel sur mon DP BLOG D'EVRY. Bonnes Fêtes.
ReplyDeleteI wish you all a MERRY CHRISTMAS and invites you to come sing on my DP Noel D'EVRY BLOG. Happy Holidays.
Never left any comment... Chistmas is a good time to start! Thank you for all the beautiful pics but also the information (for instance, that piece about ads being banned in Paris!). Merriest Christmas and hello to cute oysters!
ReplyDeleteThank you, I have very fond memories of Christmas in Paris.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas!
DG
Trouville, hein? What an appropriate place for the trou normand** I hope you'll be taking during the Christmas feast.
ReplyDelete** The meals in Normandy are so rich (with cream, for instance) that they have to take a break at half-time, during which Calvados (apple brandy) is served.
Joyeux Noêl to you and yours. Have some foie gras for me too!
ReplyDeleteHave fun in Normandy!
ReplyDeleteWarm wishes to you and yours for a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Wayne
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteEric, This photo is so tranquil compared to yesterday's hellish one! I thought you'd enjoy seeing what's under the Christmas tree here in Seattle, and it was easy and quick! (click on the links to see). Wishing you the happiest time with your family on the coast, and a restful Christmas!
ReplyDelete-Kim
PS- Kudos to Michael! Fabulous new verse!
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2219/2133146325_735718d88f_m.jpg
And, of course, the customs inspector had to get in on the shipment. . . .
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2061/2133902858_de6b6415f6_m.jpg
Merry Christmas to you and your readers.
ReplyDeleteJoyeux Noel Eric !
ReplyDeleteMichael usually as you know i can't resist rising to your verse challenges, but this is just too good to follow! Really great piece of work. Happy Holidays!
Merry Christmas, Eric! And have a great 2008!
ReplyDeleteIt's been so fun seeing Eric's great photos and reading everyone's comments during this year (especially the "usual suspects"). Best wishes for a merry Christmas and happy new year to all of you! And thanks, Eric, for an excellent blog.
ReplyDeleteZoot Alors!!! Michael, perhaps you missed your true calling!! Maybe you should come replace all the striking writers in Hollywood!! Fantastic!! What a laugh I had!!! Oh this blog just never ceases to amaze me!!! LOL!!! Too funny!!
ReplyDeleteJoyeux Noel to all my "virtual" partners in crime and the whole PDP "famille"!!! LOL!!
Les huitres and foie-gras is our tradition as well..but we won't be in Normandie!! This year it is more like Saumon and Duck Pate, and lot's of lovely French wine. Enjoy, Eric!!! Sneak us back a couple bottles of Calvados...Santa drank the last of it!!