Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Un autre jour à Paris

Last Sunday was a gloriously sunny day in Paris. After the events that took place on Friday night, and the gray, quiet day on Saturday, Parisians (and tourists) flocked to the streets and cafés, with what seemed like a craving to get back to normal again. We made our usual Sunday pilgrimage to rue Mouffetard (sadly no dancers), had a lovely lunch with our friend Anne and made our way up the rue stopping to buy scarves and gifts. I could hardly wait to get down to the Jardin du Luxembourg to photograph the mums, the pétanque players and people watch. We arrived to find it closed as were all of Paris' gardens. Not to be denied, I pushed my lens through the bars and saw two gendarmes patrolling the empty gardens. The mums in the afternoon sun were my consolation prize.

10 comments:

Joe said...

It must have been such an eerie feeling to see these public places closed V.

Stuart said...

Strange scene indeed to see the parks closed. I'm not sure of the logic behind that. Anyway, you succeeded in getting a good shot of the mums... as well as an unusual contrast.

Deb said...

I'm sure things will return to relative normality soon. You can't keep the people of Paris down. They fought Nazi invasion and they will overcome this too.

365 Dresses said...

I love the sculptured mums---they must be many years old. How many gardeners do you think are employed at Luxembourg? Hundreds, I'm sure.

365 Dresses said...

Our assumption was that is easier to guard when closed, and excess security can be deployed elsewhere in the city.

Jeanie said...

Virginia will never be denied! And see what a lovely and meaningful photo you got?

Alexa said...

What Jeanie said . . . trust you, V! (And this is a fabulous shot.)

William Kendall said...

A lovely setting. Things will return to some semblance of normality soon.

Virginia said...

Joe, it was eerie but necessary I think.
365, I've always assumed they planted the mums each year. They are too perfect!

Sarah said...

I'm sad for each of you in Paris for the trauma, the hurt, the loss. I'm happy that Parisians are brave and make the effort to begin living a normal life again. All the best to you. Thanks for sharing these wonderful photos of my favorite city.