A few months ago I chuckled at the discovery that someone had stumbled upon my blog by Googling “berets for dogs in Paris.” I had every intention of researching the topic and writing about it, but, well, you know what they say about the road to hell and good intentions and all that.
So it was with some surprise that I stumbled upon the answer this afternoon as I was walking up Rue du Cardinal Lemoine to meet my blogger friend Corey. “Au Paradis Canin,” read the storefront at address 21. Berets, sweaters, beds, you name it—you’ll find it all at this pooches’ paradise.
On the way to meet Corey this evening, I also saw a bunch of guys playing pétanque. I’ve long been curious about this bocce-ball-like game, but I’ve never had the courage (or the time) to stop and ask. Until this afternoon.
Not only did these guys explain the rules to me, but they also invited me to join them for a round. I delighted them with my ineptitude.
On the métro train, I thought about how cool it would be to photograph 100 strangers before I leave Paris. I got started straight away by shooting the man across from me.
Then, I shot a crêpe vendor.
And then I shot an accordéoniste. Should have gotten him at closer range, in hindsight …
After my wonderful walk with Corey this evening, I strolled along the Seine. The lights on the water were spectacular tonight. How I wish I’d brought a tripod! Oh, well … that’s what bridge railings are for.
Along the way, I noticed that the top half of the Eiffel Tower still appears to be missing.
But of all the things I shot today, I think this last frame is my favorite.
“General food.” With all of its pooches, pétanque, people and ponts—bridges—Paris really does feed my soul.
À demain …
HeideBlog 
I don’t know…I’m not sure I agree with you, that you should’ve taken a closer shot of the accordion player. I think the bridge railing looks really cool next to the instrument. And I, too, love the “general food” photo…how it’s all lit up at the bottom of your picture, under the dark night sky. Nice!
Lis! How nice to hear from you — and how nice to *hear* you sing on FB just now, too! Good point about the accordion-guy photo. I guess I was wishing I’d taken more of a portrait-type shot for the sake of consistency with the others … but maybe not everything always has to match, eh? As the the “general food” photo: Did you ever see the film Amélie? It kinda reminded me of that little grocery store in the movie. 🙂
Thank you for including so many pictures! I feel like I am also visiting Paris.
And thank YOU for your very kind comment. Ready to go to Germany with me?! 🙂
Your night shots are beautiful!!! & I love your 100 Parisian strangers idea!!! 🙂 **
That last shot could be a painting. I love the soft lighting on the building and the vibrant colors of the produce.
Funny you should say that, because the scene reminded *me* of a painting, too! It was one of those perfectly ordinary scenes/moments that seems extraordinary because it’s happening in Paris.
Love watching people playing petanque. They also play in Bryant Park.
That shot of the accordian player — the play of shadow and light is so cool. Ditto the last shot. I’m becoming repetitive — all your shots are just awesome. You should teach photography.
Aw, you’re too kind! I’ve taught photography informally to a couple of friends, but quickly discovered that I still have much to learn myself. I think that’s why I love it so much: It’s an ongoing process of refinement and discovery, driven in part by your own desire to improve, and in part by what you see in the world around you.