Are the Olympics still games?

Unless you live under a rock, you probably heard what happened to the Olympic torch yesterday (Monday) in Paris: it had to be put out by officials after numerous attempts to disrupt its progression throughout the streets of Paris. Eventually, the torch was placed on a bus, several times, to protect it from demonstrators. Of course your favorite reporter from PDP had to witness this and so I did! I went to the Place de L'Alma and got caught in the middle of the turmoil. Scary, but fun... Here are some of the dozens of shots that I took there.

Meat Chateaubriand... (again!)

You probably know "Filet mignon", the thick cut from the tenderloin which is also often referred to as Chateaubriand. Well Chateaubriand (François René, was his first name) was not a famous chef but... a writer and a politician who lived a fascinating, adventurous life, between 1768 and 1848. The kind of guys that make your life look totally dull (check all what he's done here)! His most famous book is probably Mémoire d'Outre-tombe, but I never read it. I found his bust in the heart of the 7th arrondissement, but he has several others including one in Saint Malo, his hometown. PS: sorry for this "reprint", as you may have noticed the first time I posted this photo, it did not show...

Notre Dame at Sunset

Yeah, I can hear you from here: "another one of these sunset photos, how about some imagination?!" Well, what can I do? When I see that kind of light, on my way back home from the office, I can't help but digging out my camera and shoot. LOL. Besides, I'm currently in Chamonix (in the Alpes) so I had to upload a photo prior to my departure... I hope you're behaving well on this blog while I'm gone;) Have a wonderful Sunday. BTW: here is some interesting reading about Notre-Dame.

Orangina turns green for one day

Last week, a friend of mine who publishes a site dedicated - among other things - to sustainable developement, alerted me that the soda brand Orangina (a famous orange juice soda in France) was about to organize a "Greenwashing" in some areas of Paris. Principle? Turn parking spaces into a little fake grass green spot (an idea that was apparently "stolen" from the park(ing) day movement). I had to see this... I chose to visit the one spot located on my favorite place in Paris: La Place des Victoires. Here you go. Nothing really extraordinary, but unusual enough to be worth a post on PDP ;)

Drums beating

Yesterday, as I was passing by the Musée d'Orsay, I could not help stopping and take my camera when I saw this scene. At first I noticed the light - once more the sunset! - and they I saw this little man playing the drums. From where I was - the other side of the Seine, there was no way I could hear him play, but I thought the scene was really good. BTW, did you notice how high the water is? Soon the embankment will be closed...

Sunset over Paris

Call me lucky because I am! That's what I witnessed yesterday on the way back from my office. Those who've been to Paris will have recognized the typical Art Nouveau lamp so characteristic of the Pont Alexandre III. This bridge was built between 1896 and 1900 and it was Tsar Alexander III of Russia who actually laid the foundation stone in October 1896. It was inaugurated, like many other structures nearby, in 1900 for the World’s Fair.

Personal Message

Paris is such a romantic city that people feel compelled to shout their love throughout the streets! Am I exaggerating? Yes, a little bit, but come to think of it, I'd like to believe it! Besides, do you remember this post from 2005?!