Wednesday, September 7, 2011

NON!


If you've visited la Tour Eiffel , you've seen them,  and no doubt been annoyed.  I found a way to keep them at their distance........focusing my camera.  I dream of a time I visit la Tour Eiffel when they are .....terminée!!!

I'm pleased that My French Life. org has chosen my photos for another article: Waiting in Paris.

25 comments:

French Girl in Seattle said...

Cool contrast between the miniature Eiffel Towers and the rest of the photo. Great shot. Young man not too happy though! ;-) Veronique (French Girl in Seattle)

wcs said...

Your dream has come true! There was a new item recently that talked about how the police are rounding these guys up and chasing them off the grounds of the tower. Many are illegals and they work for foreign suppliers (of the trinkets). I was actually at the tower this past Friday and, lo and behold, not a single one of these guys was to be seen. It was amazing not to be accosted by ten people selling mini towers.

wcs said...

I meant "news item." :)

this is Belgium said...

It's done Virginia ! they were chased away last week...might be back though
but in any event, police is working on it very hard

PerthDailyPhoto said...

Ooo lala! Virginia, what a look he is giving you, they really were a nuisance but from comments above they will be gone soon. Huge congrats on your photo being chosen for MFL how fantastic and hugely deserved!

Shell Sherree said...

Congratulations on your photo being chosen, dear V! As for today's subject, he's not very cheery, is he. {I love the colour of the mini ETs together with the B&W!}

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

Great portrait, V, but if you get that "look" in a dark alley, be prepared to run!

I am thrilled to hear that these vendors will have less of a presence at la Tour. Perhaps, next will be Sacré Coeur?

Leif Hagen said...

You caught him "red handed", V!
Better to buy those souvenirs in the official shops, non?

Harriet said...

Great photo of a not too pleasant situation. With the police and the photographers after them, perhaps they will soon become a distant memory.

Daryl said...

Ah the junk vendors .. in Acapulco they wander the beaches crying: One Peso, One Peso ... and if you look up they are at your side hawking their junk and the 'one peso'? Well, its the hook because if you look you will find out they're crap is one peso LESS than the previous crap seller ... nevertheless a nice portrait and a clever use of the gold highlight

Virginia said...

wcs, thanks for the update. I have seen them running back and forth over the bridges when they thought the police were nearby but they always were right back. I hope this is a good sign!

GeneMarine said...

In any case they are just trying to make money to live on. Yes, it may be against the code but they are not the gypsy pick pockets that work the area. All lawful work is noble.

Starman said...

I was never bothered by them, and indeed, once I got two beautiful scarves for friends for less than I would have paid for one elsewhere in the city.

Fábio Martins said...

What a face lol
good idea, the edition

Alexa said...

Nice capture, V! And clever way to keep these guys at bay. :~} My kids think they're just trying to make a living and that I'm mean because I say they're a total nuisance. As if!

Jack said...

Virginia, that is not a very friendly look he is giving you. It doesn't look like you will be getting a dinner invitation.

Paris Paul said...

I'm such a big fan of the "focal black & white" and you used it perfectly here!

Last week there was a big crackdown on these sellers at the Eiffel Tower and earlier this week the police had the same operation at Montmartre.

Anonymous said...

Termineè indeed! The camera is a great idea. I don't know if it will ever be the case of them being terminated. I did notice far less gypsies this last visit but the ever present hawkers were still there. The game continues between Paris and their pushy ways.
I often wonder what are the stories behind those faces.

Anonymous said...

I'm shocked at so many fascist comments.

nathalie (Avignon) said...

Suzi you're so right, there's an individual story behind each of these faces and while I understand thay their behaviour can be annoying I'm also shocked by people who don't even consider these people as human beings trying to make a living. Some are illegal immigrants, hence their being scared of photos but they're no pickpockets or criminals. I understand the effectiveness of photography but personally I'd rather go for a kind response such as "non merci, j'en ai déja acheté" (no thanks, I bought some already).

Virginia said...

Nathalie,
I understand your point. I believe everyone has the right to make a living. What I don't agree with is their methods. They crowd around you, and come back time and time again yelling, 'One euro, one euro", over and over. It's maddening. I for one am glad they are gone from these places.

Malyss said...

If his eyes were guns, you would be dead.. They're very boring! i was shocked last time I went to Versailles..they were so much!

Thirtytwo degrees said...

I remember these vendors too...very bold and aggressive with bling towers! I resisted. While they may be trying to make a living, they are also hurting the honest sellers who have all their papers but are being undercut by thieves! It is good that the police are trying to help the honest businessmen who also are trying to make a living.

Rob said...

Congrats on the article, and for this portrait. He looks annoyed that you were annoyed.

Virginia said...

Rob, I was much more annoyed! I hate having them in my face! I agree that we need to support those that have real businesses. I know they are not all pickpockets etc. but I think that it has been proven that many are. Want to do business in Paris? Do the right way. I have bought a lot of ET keychains for 1 euro. Once bought them for my entire 3rd grade class.....but from a vendor with a tiny little souvenir shop. It all boils down in my book to legal/illegal. I"m sure this ruffles some feathers but that is how I feel.