In all cities you have small details that look totally normal to its inhabitants, but very "different" or "typical" to visitors. Take fire hydrants for example... For a New Yorker or a Bostonian it's part of the scenery, for a Parisian it's so very typical (and the fact that you cannot park in front of them is even more surprising!). Don't ask me why, but we have very few fire hydrants in Paris, most of the firemen water supplies are built in the pavement or some walls. However I managed to find one: at Bercy again (right in front of the Chais, I showed a couple of days ago).
I wonder why no one creates fire hydrants that are works of art and function? You would think someone would come up with a way to make the utilitarian and necessary also fun and creative! Oh well, at least they are easy to find and see when they are distinctive. (Although if they were creative, would there more be people not recognizing them for what they were and parking in front of them?)
ReplyDeleteHere we have a company that makes decorative extinguishers, they should look at hydrants now!
DeleteI like the red against the gray. It's cheerful. I came across a bright red, relatively modern, fire hydrant in the village of Courmes a few weeks ago when I was vacationing in Provence. It was cheerful, too,set up against an ancient stone wall on a gray day.
ReplyDeleteYes I think there are still many in the provinces, but not in large French cities.
DeleteWho needs water hydrants with all the rain? Don't feel bad, it snowed two inches here yesterday. Winter never ends.
ReplyDeleteCraig will be in Paris Thursday. I'll be there Friday. Too bad all you people are gone!! I'll see some of you soon.
Paris, is awaiting for you! Shame I'm in Miami!
DeleteThat's a very sleek looking hydrant, and such a nice red. The hydrants around my city look very utilitarian, not sleek or aesthetic.
ReplyDeleteThe French touch probably LOL!
DeleteI've not seen a fire hydrant on a pedestal before...maybe they DO think it's art.
ReplyDeleteLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL!
DeleteBeloved of American film makers - I wonder how many films have had that scene where a car crashes into a fire hydrant and a jet of water shoots up into the air?
ReplyDeleteI shall be leaving for Paris tomorrow, I hope Eric has left his apartment nice and tidy!
LOL. Watch out there are cameras in may apartment...
DeleteYou left your cameras behind?
DeleteYou really are having a holiday!
...and left us lots of food...
ReplyDeleteYes, a few rotten apples...
Delete.......and not much in the way of drink!
DeleteVery sleek—and chic (it is in Paris, after all).
ReplyDeleteYes, this is probably made by Vuitton LOL
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