On a sunny Saturday afternoon in early spring, what better place to hang out than Les jardins des Tuileries? I took my camera, and my book (Chatwin's Black Hill), grabbed myself a green metal deck-chair and absorbed the ambience.
I struggle to find an equivalent public garden back home in Sydney. Maybe Sydney Park in Newtown comes closest, although this is more expansive and has restaurants and toy boats. Parisians hang out in public more so than Sydney-siders. Parisians hang out in extended family groups, hang out and read.
There is one photo I certainly had click on.
ReplyDeleteYeah ... really? I nearly ran it as the main image, but went with the sunnies instead.
ReplyDeleteAnother interesting slice of life in Paris. The weather here was gorgeous too ... perfect for hanging about in the sun.
ReplyDeleteSo many smiles, so much happiness, all is as it should be. Thx for bringing them to us.
ReplyDeleteJust discovered your beautiful blog via a comment on Genie's blog. Greetings from Brussels, Anni
ReplyDeletehttp://whatisbelgium.blogspot.com
Your pictures glow with warmth and happiness. I loved those gardens too.
ReplyDeleteWonderful! Conveys so much. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteYou and I agree. I love seeing the families outside enjoying just being together. I'm always impressed by the READERS, everywhere in Paris. I keep a book in my car now and read when I'm eating alone or having to wait for my flat tire to be fixed! Tuileries is my fav but also Jardin des Plantes and of course Luxembourg. There is a carrousel at Jardin des Plantes but you have to look for it! :)
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Oh and I forgot to add that when we were there with the kids that summer, MElissa and I declared the Parisian playground equipment to be very cute and trés dangerous. They must not be as afraid of a lawsuit as we are in this country.
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The carousel at Tuileries was so hard to set up! I know there is one at Plantes - I remember your post about it. But will be back in Paris come the autumn and am leaving that for when my apt is over that way. Doing my Hemingway stalking thing then too - the Moveable Feast walking trail. was going to do some bridges today but wet and cold - well not snow cold but cold for an Aussie ...
ReplyDeleteI like the playground equipment ... and it is in every spare nook ... comes with apartment living I suspect. I love that one in Tuileries where they clamber along the rope/hessian tube. I show you the entry and exit in the photos here.
ReplyDeleteNeat.
ReplyDeleteLovely park, but I find myself quite distracted...
ReplyDeleteI think all of Europe uses parks more to just hang out and read or play!!! Here in the States the tendency is to have your own backyard and spend time there or go read at Starbucks!!!
ReplyDelete@Virginia...I always carry a book with me...to read while waiting/eating alone!!!
Karen, I suspect both you and Andrew are distracted by the same young man! Lucky I did not lead with him ...
ReplyDeleteI have several books with me at all times: a book in French (novel), a book about Paris/France, and a serious reading book. All the bases are covered!
ReplyDeleteI will tell you how to find that carousel in Jardin des Plantes (well hidden) and there is another one you might look for this time next to Bon Marche.
Bises,
Genie
Great collection of people shots.
ReplyDeleteThe look of parental pride in the presence of their children appears to be universal.
ReplyDeleteAw, I LOVE these pictures of children! They're beautiful, every single one of them.
ReplyDeleteHow do you spell "gorgeous"?
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