Day 01 – Paris, an Introduction

We actually made it into Paris without undue traffic hassles,  Sure, the Periphique, that snarly route that goes around Paris, was a bit congested, but nothing compared to when we landed in Paris well over a week ago.

Wonder of wonders, we even found the Honker Van rental place right away.  HAL did a great job, and we were very proud of him.

After checking into the hotel on Place du Panthéon, we gathered our cameras and a lens or two and took off toward the Seine, that wonderful river that runs through the city.

Paris is about people and architecture and sidewalk performances.  One man was blowing large bubbles, and people would drop a coin or two into his hat.  I loved the subtle reflections of the buildings in this grand bubble.

By Notre Dame, an elderly gentleman was checking the display on his camera. Someone walked in front of me as I was about to click the shutter, but we engaged in conversation, and he got to talking to one of our friends who came with us from Provence. How French he looked, lips pursed as he phrased his next thought.

Just around the corner on the bridge, I looked down and saw this scene, the shadows making it for me.

Right outside our hotel is the magnificent Le Panthéon. Built as a church dedicated to St. Genevieve, it now serves as a monument to all the great men and women of France. With the clouds behind it, it looked quite impressive.

Paris is about lovers. Since the last time we were here, “love padlocks” cementing lovers’ promises now decorate the Pont des Arts fences. Apparently, the city was going to remove them as defacing one of the great bridges of Paris, but there must have been a hue and cry, so they changed their minds and left all the padlocks. These lovers had just added their lock, complete with inscription.

It was definitely half past wine o’clock, so we wandered back into the Quartier Latin (Latin Quarter on Rive Gauche or Left Bank) to head back towards our hotel. As we passed under an archway of L’Institut de France, the late-afternoon light streaming down the street was compelling. We all stopped to photograph.

Having enjoyed a light supper, as we were tired, it was time to head for our hotel. The sun had set, and the lights had come on. There was still a little residual light in the sky. I did the normal, completely-in-focus shot, but I much preferred this on-purpose, out-of-focus rendition, as it added even more magic to the scene for me.

Next: First day of Paris, City of Light workshop …

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