Friday, May 25, 2012

Paris Elevator


Here is a very typical Parisian thing: an elevator from the beginning of the century (the 20th). You find them in most Haussmanian buildings and some of them are really nice. This one, that I photographed in the 17th arrondissement even has a little bench on which people can sit during their journey! You have to keep in mind that when they were first installed, they were pretty slow; some of them where not even electric, but worked with a pretty complex hydraulic system, not always very reliable (I remember an old uncle who told me he got once trapped in one that would never stop going up and down!).

22 comments:

  1. Fun photo! The first time I ever came to Paris, the elevator in my hotel looked just like this one (sans bench). The space inside was so small that I had to ride up alone with my suitcase, because there wasn't room for anything else :)

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  2. Monnica I was coming in here to say exactly the same thing. I had the same experience. They are so small! Beautiful, though. Great photo!

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  3. Eric - this is another fine photo with commentary that has so much to offer. I've been playing the slideshow I have of all my favorite photos of yours and you could make a number of books out of just the ones I favor!
    ...just a thought!!

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  4. In a beautiful elevator like this, and with Monnica, Suzy, or Carrie and not stop going up and down.

    Drummond...?

    By the way, I've been celebrating my birthday tonight.

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  5. In a beautiful elevator like this, and with Monnica, Suzy, or Carrie, it would be fun to not stop going up and down. (That's what it was supposed to say.)

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  6. Happy birthday, Jeff! I'm only sorry you don't get to celebrate it in an elevator in Paris with Monnica, Suzy and Carrie. I'd be happy to join you, too, but it sounds like there isn't enough room.

    I love this photo, Eric. Perhaps you can join is in the elevator for Jeff's birthday party?

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  7. Happy birthday Jeff, I can't believe I missed it. I'm sorry you cannot spend it in Paris, but I understand it's for a "good" cause!

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  8. They are antiques and amazing that many of them still work! Love the grillwork and the multifold doors some have. I don;t mind one for my house when I can't climb the stairs anymore!

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  9. I love these lifts and have actually been this one (and used the seat I might add!). Most lifts are tiny in Paris because they were added apartment buildings long after the building was constructed, in between the staircases. Great shot Eric!

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  10. And a separate comment to wish Jeff a HAPPY BIRTHDAY! 20 again?

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  11. Very Parisian!
    Reminds me of those old movies where the lift(elevator) usually arrives with a dead body in it.

    Jeff?
    How come you get to have all the fun squashed in the lift with the PDP-ettes? Oh, I forgot, it's your birthday!

    Happy Birthday to you,
    Happy Birthday to you.
    Happy Birthday dear Jeff,
    Happy Birthday to you!

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  12. Happy Birthday******Dear Jeff.........
    where ever you are....

    have a wonderful day.......and
    just think you are in Paris*******

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  13. Great shot! Love, Love, LOVE these old elevators. Think: Charades with Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn...one of these pigured pretty prominently in the plot. Sweet memories
    Thank you Eric!

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  14. Thanks for the nice wishes, everyone. The ascenseur is getting very crowded, but it's a fun party.

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  15. @Jeff "The ascenseur is getting very crowded, but it's a fun party. LOL Wtahc out, not more thn 3 people or 220 kilos!!

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  16. A very Happy Birthday to you, Jeff!! Too bad we can't fete you here in LA. I know there's plenty of room for Petrea on the ride - and all the other 'PDPettes', too! After all, its Paris so this must be a magical elevator, non? But beware, I'm sure all les gentilhommes de PDP are waiting for the doors to open, champagne in hand, band ready to play into the wee hours, for the start of a Mon-u-mental Party. Why do I feel like I could walk into this photo and suddenly I'd be right in 'Midnight in Paris'?!! : )

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  17. Happy Birthday, Jeff! Wish we could all help you celebrate it (in a Paris elevator, of course). There's that perspective that I love, Eric. (My mom got stuck in one of these when she arrived to visit me in Paris—the rest of the time she did the 6 flights on foot!)

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  18. Jeff, I know first hand that you are a true gentleman. I'd get in an elevator with you anytime. Happy Birthday!

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  19. A tipical Parissian picture. Like everyone remembering the moment we first came 2 Paris andhad 2 go one at a time.

    And Happy Birthday to you, Jeff!!

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  20. I love this photo. I just want to walk right up that red carpet sit on the little bench and take the lift to my Parisian apartment.

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