Saturday 23 April 2011

Paris Eye 24/30 - Use it rather than lose it


The gambit, followed by the tap on the timer, whirls across my consciousness in a blur. I console myself with the thought that I am more interested in the player, than in the play. The truth is that seeing in that particular third-dimension has always eluded me. However, seeing into the inner landscape of 'we the people', is another dimension altogether.


What do they contend about ageing? You have to keep physically active, mentally active, and keep involved with other people in like-minded pursuits.

Would that this were my nursing home ...


Once again, all these photographs were taken over the last week in Jardin du Luxembourg.

10 comments:

Kay L. Davies said...

Wonderful portraits, Julie. You see the human side of Paris, whereas I (and millions like me) saw only the landscape.
(Big struggle here: Do I say "where" or "whereas" or "when"? I probably look as serious as the chess players, trying to decide.)
-- K

Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel

Joe said...

't'is a very European pursuit this Chess in the street. Intense are their eyes and ernest their minds as they waiver from defence to attack and from white to black.

Anonymous said...

It could only be France! I love the Jardin du Luxembourg; it's so chilled.

Julie said...

Yes, Luxembourg is quickly firming as my passion.

Joan Elizabeth said...

I would not like to be playing chess in my nursing home ... being dreadful at it even before my brain goes haywire.

Mary Ann said...

As tourists, the temptation is to fill every day with as many destinations as one can manage--to see it all. But there's so much that you miss if you go too quickly. You'd miss everything you captured here.

I like the idea of touring slowly and thoroughly. I'm glad you took the time to observe and share so much of what you found in this garden.

Virginia said...

Ahhh you found one of my favorite spots at JL. I know exactly where you were. First time I've seen any women playing. I liked the "melting pot" of card and chess players. Grand series of photos Julie. Now when are you going to go visit mes amis at the pétanque courts? :) Tell them I said hello!
V

Virginia said...

HA!!! I just scrolled down to see what I'd missed and I see you have already photographed the pétanque players. Fascinating. I could have stayed there all day. I actually made friends with a group of players that kindly explained the game etc. Delightful.
V

Julie said...

Mary Ann - This is the first time that I have managed to travel in this way. I am soooo chuffed with myself for graduating from tourista to traveller. I still 'tour' for betweem 4 nf 6 hours per day, but go to many less-popular places and simply meander. When I return, later this year, I am not even going to do that. Rather go to JL and read and type into this here machine, ie live my normal life.

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

Exquisite, Julie. You have a knack for portraits and your technique is superbe! I think that one could spend months and months just in JL without running out of material.

Bises,
G