Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Remains of the past


Did I take this photo in the 30's? No I was not born, thank you very much... I took it right before my departure. But it does look like it's from the old Paris times doesn't it? Well it's what's left of La Samaritaine (the back of it), probably a delivery zone or something and they haven't touched it yet (the Samaritaine is currently being turned into a hotel and a few other things and should reopen in 2015).  

12 comments:

  1. Wow! that's taking a while. The transformation I mean. La Samaritaine was closed when I was last in Paris in 2009.

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  2. Remains of the past, Rue de l'arbre sec ...
    Some streets have some names sometimes...
    I enjoyed shopping at la Samaritaine at the time, but I had prepared myself not to do it anymore and it is still a great reminder.

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  3. It does feel quite old fashioned... except perhaps for the bike.

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  4. It does look like an old picture...and a beautiful one...

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  5. Yes, being in black and white this image does bring the famous Parisian photographer Atget to mind immediately. He lugged a large view camera, tripod and glass plates around. What a difference today in the digital era! Most people don't even carry a camera anymore, using their cell phones. [YUK!]
    As for the bike, the owner must be paranoid, or had a previous bike stolen. This bike is locked up with two kryptonite style bar locks and one cable. That is a lot of weight to drag around!

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  6. Yikes—yet another hotel I won't be able to afford. Hope the roof will still be accessible to everyone.
    And I hope no one steals that bike (although removing the seat was probably a good idea).

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  7. I am so glad I got to Paris in the 90's and I was so proud that this non-french-speaking older female went in and bought myself some barrettes there and also went to the top cupola view spot. I had wanted to show my husband that view 6 years ago and was disappointed that it was closed.

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  8. Surely I'm the last person to realize that this store was opened by Ernest Cognacq and Marie-Louise Jay!

    Eric, hope you had a great trip to Denver - did you get to see any sights?

    Also, I know it is wicked early to ask this question, but is the PDP picnic always in early May? I am working on my next trip and would love to be able to join next year!

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  9. No I did not see anything in Denver, besides the convention center and a couple of bars!

    The picnic is not always in May... At this time I really cannot tell you when it takes place!

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