That's it! As of today, I'm a "real Parisian": I have a metro pass! A lot of people (ie Guille, PHX...) made fun of me when they heard it was such a big deal for me to take the metro, but what can I say, I hate it! Not only because it's crowed, but because it's very slow (well compared to riding a scooter...) Anyway, to "celebrate" I took a photo of what is probably the most photographed metro station in Paris: Palais Royal. It's famous because it was (re)designed by Jean-Michel Othoniel, as the "Kiosque des noctambules" (Kiosk of the night-walkers) in 2000 for the centenary of the Metro. Only this time I tried to take a different angle (see a broader view in this very very old post!).
Poor Eric having to ride the metro. I'll have to call you Zazie. This is a very cool photo though, Zazie!
ReplyDeleteThank you Eric for this beautiful shot, even if you feel like missing a lot of photos. This is always as good as ever. Always !
ReplyDeleteIs this what you were trying to say of Eric, Alexa?—D'où qu'il pue donc tant ? Exactly the thought that often crosses my mind on subways late at night.
ReplyDeleteFor the “Zazie” reference I had to check this out. Now I want to see Louis Malle’s movie or read the book.
Or save myself the time by taking in an interview of Eric!
Your first metro pass?? I find that quite funny — and amazing. But I can understand hating crowds, so I hope you won't have to use it much.
ReplyDeleteI must say that this view is much better. I really like this whimsical fence, but the rest of it…
Even I have had a Metro pass, Eric!
ReplyDeleteI love this photo. Love it! But I'm with Hilda on the Metro stop itself. You made it more attractive than it is! How's that for talent?
Totally agree with Hilda and Petrea about your photo vs. the larger work. And, now I know about Zazie!! Tme to see if its on Netflix. (I also just learned about a film called La Commune that's got me interested.) Ah, Paris! So rich.
ReplyDeleteTell the truth Eric, you took this photo wearing your fencing mask, didn't you?
ReplyDeleteYep, this is a truly great metro entrance/exit. I won't pollute your comments list with links to my various attempts to photograph it creatively over time! I'm proud of you for finally becoming a true Parisian like the rest of us with your Paris metro pass which makes that cool little 'beep' as you nonchalantly pass your hand (or bag or shirt-sleeve) over the infra-something sensor. Welcome to the underground groupies.
ReplyDeleteEric, I love this photo but I especially love the photo you took in the link.
ReplyDelete& thanks TG for the link about Zazie!
Such an endearing story.
I could picture you smiling like Zazie Eric, only with a camera in tow!
No matter what the Paris metro is an attraction apart.
ReplyDeleteAlways a surprise at each station, sometimes good sometimes bad.
But how not to like such stations as Varene or Louvre???
I like this a lot! Such pretty colors to brighten up your day!
ReplyDeleteWell, after all that I had to see if Zazie Dans Le Metro was available on Netflix, and apparently—NOT! Now I really need to move back to Paris (where I don't even mind riding the metro, btw).
ReplyDeleteI like the angle of this photo. If you didn't read the title, it would be hard to work out what it is.
ReplyDeleteEven when you get a scooter again, it's handy to have the pass - just for emergencies. I understand why you don't like it, as I don't particularly like the Chicago counterpart (the 'El') although I use it on occasion. I much prefer our commuter trains.
Just one quick precision. I have had a metro pass in the past of course, but they recently changed the whole system.
ReplyDeleteNow it's called a Navigo pass, it's got an fancy chip and you don't have to stick it into the machine anymore... And this, I never had before.
Hi Eric!
ReplyDeleteI'm working from home this early morning and reading your comment has made me smile !! You seem like a tourist discovering the public transportation accomodations in Paris!!! See how naughty I am with you :) No, you know it is only to say hi, on a morning unusual basis, to you.
love the shot, and the story too, you know one of our Metra station entrances was a gift from your city to ours :)
ReplyDeleteHahaha this is funny! Great picture, too - the little pops of colour are lovely.
ReplyDeleteYour link photo is the only photo of this station entrance I recall ever seeing before, so I was surprised to read you think it may be one of the most photographed. You do make it look beautiful here.
ReplyDeleteHey, I like that the pass doesn't have to be inserted! They have stickers for cars going over toll bridges or along toll roads here on the west coast, but I haven't seen something like that in action on subways/trains yet. I wonder where else has adopted passes like that.
-Kim
I have fond memories of trying to figure out the Metro as a young tired woman, just off the plane with a pack on her back, speaking no French. It was such an accomplishment to figure it out and then we were off to a new place.
ReplyDeletePoor Eric - metro is not just your cup of tea ;) I hope that your transportation problem is solved quickly!
ReplyDeleteBtw, the photo is interesting, I like this red color there.
Poor scooter-less Eric. I, for one, am a fan of metro systems, but live in a place where it would not work. :) I look forward to someday riding the metro in Paris! But for now, enjoy it for me, Eric!!
ReplyDeleteooh, one of my favorites...I superimposed a pic I took of that metro station with some others in a digital creation that I love, and your photo reminded me of it...merci! Oh and yes, even I have a navigo. If you spend a week or more and intend to use the metro a lot, which I did on my last visit, it is worth figuring out navigo (I managed even with my poor french :-).
ReplyDeletehttp://dwquiltart.blogspot.com/2009/12/wordless-week-paris-digital-collage.html
The Paris Metro is fantastic compared to the Tube in London. Are the Velib bikes still about over there?
ReplyDeleteWe love our Navigo's...makes wandering paris so much easier as you never have to worry about getting back, or about "wasting" a ticket to go a few stops.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, next trip we have vowed to try the buses as well....as it's been discussed her, Paris is so picturesque it is a shame to be under ground so much....
Sean
I will trade the SF MUNI Metro for the Paris Metro ANYDAY!!! But, like Michael says.."SF isn't a REAL city"...LOL!! True in many ways, SF is more like a beach town that grew up; if they hadn't discovered gold in 1849 I am sure SF would be a much different place.
ReplyDeleteI have often wondered what Colette would think of that Metro entrance in the place that bears her name. I personally love the older Art Nouveau entrances designed by Hector Guimard.
Did you know we have a small bistro here in SF in Cole Valley named for "Zazie???" Great place for brunch!
http://www.zaziesf.com/zaziesf/home.html
@Sab " I won't pollute your comments list with links to my various attempts to photograph it creatively over time! " LOL. I know the feeling, I've always been disappointed in all the shots I took of it. This time I love it, even though it does not really show it!
ReplyDelete@Kim "They have stickers for cars going over toll bridges or along toll roads here on the west coast, but I haven't seen something like that in action on subways/trains yet. I wonder where else has adopted passes like that." Actually these new passes have a built in chip that allows the transport authorities to trace you. Not for big brother reasons, but to improve the passengers' flow.
@Rich Painter "The Paris Metro is fantastic compared to the Tube in London. Are the Velib bikes still about over there?" Yes, more an d more. And soon they are coming up with "Autolib". Same principle, only with electric cars...
@Tonton_flaneur "Did you know we have a small bistro here in SF in Cole Valley named for "Zazie???" Great place for brunch!" No I did not. It's about time I go back to SF!
Yes it is my friend!! You are welcome anytime!! Just let us know so we can warn the locals!!!
ReplyDeleteBut there is always cycling ;-)
ReplyDeleteBeats the tube in London.
"It's about time I go back to SF!" That's true!!
ReplyDeleteGreat, great shot by the way. Personally, I think it's one of your best. Wait, there was the great shot of the chairs. And that great other shot. And that other great shot, too. Wait, there was another great shot.. now that I think about it, there was another great shot ...
Keep up the good work, Eric!
Excellent Tomate and spontaneously funny! I think you're even under the truth aren't you? ;)
ReplyDelete@Ham Cycling? Er... I know (re)cycling, but that is all I can think of!
ReplyDelete@Tomate LOL
When I am in your neck of the woods, I prefer the bus or the Batobus. If you are from Earthquake Country, you do not exactly fancy riding around in a hole in the ground.
ReplyDeleteAn unusual view of a most beautiful metro entrance. Your creativity never ceases to amaze me.
ReplyDeleteThank you for a reminder of a beautiful day in Paris. We had lunch at the café right across the street and took several pictures of this structure (didn't know it was famous at the time).
ReplyDeleteHi! i like your blog and look at them time by time.
ReplyDeleteThank you for my filing, i'm at Paris again.
Bat my Parisian Metro was Charming.
http://cartveli.blogspot.com/2010/02/blog-post_3674.html
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