The whole Chinese world celebrated their New Year today. Paris is host to a large community of Chinese immigrants and even has the chance to have a little Chinatown in the 13th arrondissement. Therefore, a parade took place downtown but as I got there late I could only grasp a few shots as the celebrants quickly went back to their Parisian home to go on with festivities. (click on pictures to enlarge)
Leica M8 with 35mm Summicron, ISO160
Leica M8 with CV75mm at F4, ISO640
A general strike took place today in France. In Paris, several hundred thousands walked from La Bastille to the Opera to force the government to stop public jobs cuts and the numerous reforms underway. This comes as a direct consequence of the economic crisis that is starting to hurt badly the middle class. As the crowd started to break up, several thousands wanted to march on to La Madeleine and maybe on to the President’s Palace. The CRS (anti-riot forces) quickly stepped in and blocked the way. This caused the riots to start.
This slideshow is not a propaganda for one side or the other. The demostrators had their belief, the anti-riot forces did what they were told to without major injuries. It’s just a shame that French people ended up fighting each other when they should unite to face these difficult times.
Click HERE or on picture to access slideshow
Leica M8 with mainly 50mm Summicron and 28mm Ultron M, all at F2, ISO640-1250
For some reason, this métro picture reminds me of one of the very first book I read in English « The catcher in the Rye » of J.D. Salinger, a classic book about letting children grow up and discover the joys but also sorrows of life. (click on picture to enlarge)
Epson R-D1 with 50mm Summicron at F2, IS800
The Barrio Latino, one block away from La Bastille, is the Temple of Latin music in Paris. It serves food, mainly a mix of Cuban and Tex-Mex but music is what they are best at. The site is impressive; a large dancefloor leads to the majestuous stairway that in turn leads to the three floors restaurant whose design is almost reminiscient of an old amphiteater. Many tables have a view overlooking the dancefloor that is always crowed by the many couples engaged in curly figures. If you are a beginner, paid courses are offered early in the evenings and if you are a salsa journeyman, you will always find someone to share a dance. Just like this girl last night, awaiting for the next partner on the stairway. (click on picture to enlarge)
Epson R-D1 with CV28mm Ultron M at F2, ISO1600
It was only at about 3pm last Saturday when the sun finally broke through the clouds. At that moment, I was in the vicinity of the Eiffel tower and found it to match the patterns of the trees just like if it was one of them. (click on picture to enlarge)
Epson R-D1 with 50mm Summicon at F8, ISO200
Though Paris is mostly known for its glamour and beauty, the city also has its troubles. For several decades, thousands of homeless people populate the streets of Paris. While shelters do exist for them in the cold winter nights, many elect to remain in the street and improvisate their own place to live. The Seine River being one of their favorite, you might encounter spots occupied by their tents or shacks. This pictures reflects the contrast of Paris as two homeless are getting ready to eat noodles while a tourist walks by the river and a Smart, symbol of the trendy middle class, runs by. (click on picture to enlarge)
Taken with Epson R-D1 with CV15mm Heliar, ISO400
At the flea market, you will encounter many dummies so after a few hours wandering, you might start to mix them up with human beings. Obviously, it was not the case of this man. He was politely ignoring her, leaving her in her endless perplex look. (click on picture to enlarge)
Leica M8 with 35mm Summicron, ISO640
Contrarily to many countries, dogs are usually accepted in most public places in France. This is not the case of food markets where they have to be bound at the entrance. This dog got the special favour at the « Le Grand Marché » to wait on the inside, yet he had to wait next to a caddie, just like if a competition was going on who was going to be picked up first. (click on picture to enlarge)
Leica M8 with CV40mm Nokton at F1.4, ISO640
The Universities of Paris I and II, next to the Sorbonne are often the stage of strong students protests against the government. While all protests eventually end, the signs, slogans and posters seem to have been left over the walls as a warning to the passer-bys and policy makers that they are entering a dangerous fortress. (click on picture to enlarge)
Leica M8 with CV25mm at F4, ISO640
This shot was taken in the Kitty O’Shea Irish Bar in the 2nd arrondissement close to Place Vendôme. Football and Rugby fans usually gather there to watch the games proposed daily on TV and enjoy the many kinds of beers. Despite the game of the day, this woman seemed to be more interested in scolding her boyfriend vigourously. Under the frightened look of t the rugbyman on the poster forecasting a harsh ending to the scene (« It’s gonna hurt badly ») (click on picture to enlarge)
Leica M8 with 35mm Summicron, ISO1250
Prévert is one of the famous French poet of last century. An exhibit located at the Hotel de Ville (until February) currently depicts his life and how he participated to artistic movements such as Surrealism. He was also very involved with photographers, participating in the texts of several of their books. This picture could be a small tribute to him, somewhere between surrealism and his famous play of words. (click to enlarge)
Leica M8, ISO320
Back to the cold Paris January weather after a long break in the warm Southern Hemisphere.
This month will see the release of the Religolo movie which showcases the life of religious monkeys. The building in the background gives the impression of a parrallel world where Paris has suddenly become a city ruled by the Apes. (click on picture to enlarge)
Leica M8 with CV15mm at F4.5, ISO640
