Joyous scenes along the Seine
Walking along the rive droite of the Seine is as soothing an experience as it is awe-inspiring in the months or July and August. Although toplessness and skimpy bikini wearing were outlawed last summer, Paris Plage is back in style for another four weeks of summer festivities. I admit wholeheartedly that the splendid concoction of music concerts, newspaper corners , reading tents, open-air internet cafés and this year’s all new boating attraction makes London’s murky river banks seem all the more flaccid.
I find Paris Plage a harmonious spot after a long days work as the gentle wash of the Bateaux Mouche soothes ones busy mind. A few nights ago I met some friends outside the Hotel de Ville for a game of beach volleyball- Team Nelson vs. Team Napoleon. Sadly the bathing glory of the battle of Trafalgar was not to be repeated. After the match we drank from fountains providing us with cold fresh water before hopping on a night bus taking us directly to where I live.
I try to imagine the same volleyball scenario at Piccadilly Circus. At last orders a hoard of yuppies would role about in the sand creating havoc; balls would be flattened by busses; the sand would turn to mush because of the rain.
In last years press, Parisians complained that the stretch of sand running from the Louvre to Pont de Sully was too often used as a holiday resort for the homeless. This resulted in security men ushering these poor folk further down the river.
Ok, the beach is a prohibited zone if you are homeless – somewhat sad I feel – and no place for those who should like to bronze the areas where the sun doesn’t shine. But all those children confined to the humidity of Paris in the summer months can enjoy pedalos, kayaks and even rowing boats. Business men can work in the open-air sending emails to clients and all those intellectuals who are usually glued to a chair inside a left bank café can at last ponder over life’s mysteries from an outdoor location.
I am a genuine advocate of this year’s Paris Plage.
Photography Tips
MS Paint Art
Good to have some news of Paris, I have two children there and one in England so I guess I have two feet in the camps, one in each.
Well done, looking forward to hearing from you again.
katyzzz
Infognito
Screen Trek
QUOTE ME NO QUOTES!
hip hip hooray for the monied elite and their now pristine 'beach' finally unbesmirched and de-littered by the undesirables....people abandoned by their familes, friends and the government!
my what a lovely picture of modern Parisian society you paint!
At least you paint the honest picture...congrats on that...
But it does make me wonder, what would the people who stormed the Bastille think of this attitude today?
I know...
VIVA LES INDESIRABLES!!!!
cheers and beers
fog
P.S. What is "further up the river"....??
Froggy Views and French News
Froggy News
It is worrying that a state which assumes so much responsability for its citizens, while standing by values of liberty, equality and fraternity has produced quite so many people without a home.
thanks
Andy
Infognito
Screen Trek
QUOTE ME NO QUOTES!
Like the way they ghettoed all the Arab, African black Moslem etc people, immigrants, and left them there unemployed, unaccepted into French society...then the white French got angry because these same hapless folk riot and carry on about the overt xenophobia!
However...you are in Paris...sigh...you lucky bastard!
I think lots of people would love to read about your observations during your day, the sights, smells and tastes, the humour, the history and the quirky and the bizarre!! and just what ordinary life is like....but you have to use more of description.
not asking much am I?
But, for everyone who will never make it there, it will be the next best thing!!
I await the next entry!!
adieu!
au revoir!
bonne nuit!!
monsieur fog