I finally found some internet for my laptop.
That means pictures.
STRASBOURG
And a couple left overs from the last day of Paris!
They are the last 8 pics in the set.
CLICK.
Enjoy!
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Strasbourg and Schiltigheim
After an amazing week in Paris, I was off on the train again, this time with a companion. Julie and I were on our way back to Strasbourg, France where she is currently studying abroad. I had heard a lot about this area of France/Germany before travelling here and I have to say that, for the most part, it is very much how I imagined it.
There is a different pace of life here; very different from the Parisian modus operandi. Situated on the edge of the German/French border, Strasbourg is the product of hundreds of years of sharing and mixing cultures. As you walk through the city, this blend is anything but subtle. The city's people are as varied as the architecture and the speed of life here seems to be kicked down just a notch from what I had grown to love in Paris.
Just outside of Strasbourg is the the small suburb of Schiltigheim where Julie's host madame lives. The neighborhood is a striking contrast to the ornate and carefully thought out architecture of the other French cities I had visited. It screams suburb. The shapes of the residential buildings blend into one, separated only by the varied, and actually very nice, exterior color selections. The windows, instead of shutters, have an unrolling metal cover--similar to the metal covers that are pulled over sity storefronts at night--that you hoist up in the morning to let in the light. After watching "Talk to Her," a movie set in Spain, last night, it seems that these metal window covers are standard issue for European suburbs.
Yet again, I do not have any pictures ready to post, I am writing all of this from a computer in the basement of the Univ. of Syracuse building while my laptop remains at home in Schiltigheim.
I am hoping that by this time tomorrow I will be able to feed my laptop some wireless and get more photos online for all of you following along with my journey.
Also, just wanted to say a quick thank you to everyone who reads this blog. I am finding out everyday that there are more and more of you and it really means a lot; it is what keeps me posting.
Coming Attractions: I'll be heading to Greece on friday for a week, I can't wait, should yield some good photos.
There is a different pace of life here; very different from the Parisian modus operandi. Situated on the edge of the German/French border, Strasbourg is the product of hundreds of years of sharing and mixing cultures. As you walk through the city, this blend is anything but subtle. The city's people are as varied as the architecture and the speed of life here seems to be kicked down just a notch from what I had grown to love in Paris.
Just outside of Strasbourg is the the small suburb of Schiltigheim where Julie's host madame lives. The neighborhood is a striking contrast to the ornate and carefully thought out architecture of the other French cities I had visited. It screams suburb. The shapes of the residential buildings blend into one, separated only by the varied, and actually very nice, exterior color selections. The windows, instead of shutters, have an unrolling metal cover--similar to the metal covers that are pulled over sity storefronts at night--that you hoist up in the morning to let in the light. After watching "Talk to Her," a movie set in Spain, last night, it seems that these metal window covers are standard issue for European suburbs.
Yet again, I do not have any pictures ready to post, I am writing all of this from a computer in the basement of the Univ. of Syracuse building while my laptop remains at home in Schiltigheim.
I am hoping that by this time tomorrow I will be able to feed my laptop some wireless and get more photos online for all of you following along with my journey.
Also, just wanted to say a quick thank you to everyone who reads this blog. I am finding out everyday that there are more and more of you and it really means a lot; it is what keeps me posting.
Coming Attractions: I'll be heading to Greece on friday for a week, I can't wait, should yield some good photos.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Paris
Paris is incredible, I love this city.
Observations:
- The French are not as mean as is generally thought. While there are some exceptions, and there always are, the French are in general very friendly and willing to work with you if you don't speak the language.
- Water continually flows through the streets of Montmartre, I spose it is some sort of stab at street cleaning. Not sure if this extends into the rest of the city but I thought it was interesting.
- Fecal matter on the streets and sidewalks, of both the canine and human variety, doesn't seem to be a concern here in Paris as both pets and their owners have no issues with relieving themselves in pubic. This is not a HUGE thing, but it is something I noticed.
- The bread is amazing here.
- The artists of Montmartre are a talented group. It is a shame that some have resorted to painting scenes that would appeal to a tourist in order to make a buck. Still, an immense concentration of artistic ability is showcased everyday on Butte Montmartre in the small square sitting in the shadow of the Sacre Coeur.
- The homeless of the city have nicer luggage than I do.
- Walking for 10 hours a day is hard on the body. I need to pace myself.
The Attractions (my impressions of the tourist spots in Paris):
- The Eiffel Tower - It is what it is folks. It is an impressive number, I will most certainly give it that. One thing that I did not know before coming here was that every hour on the hour, thousands of flash strobes all over the exterior of the tower blink in alternating sequences making the tower appear to well, twinkle twinkle like a million huge stars on a gigantic metal tower. I spent a good amount of time shooting this thing before I found an angle that I was proud of. It's not your typical shot of the tower, but it's mine, and I like it, and it's on flickr. Go look.
- The Louvre - Overrun with tourists during the day. It seems you have to go right when it opens at 9:30 am in order to beat the crowds. I have only explored the exterior of this location but I will perhaps take a spin around the museum itself later this week.
- Notre Dame - Tourist, tourists everywhere from all around the globe. Enthusiastic japanese tour guides hop around and broadcast the history of the famous basilica to their eager followers before entering. The interior itself is immense and absolutely stunning. Notre Dame is home to some of the most incredible stained glass work I have ever seen. Hundreds of people moved through around the floor, through the pews and around behind the altar. While still a functioning place of worship, Notre Dame has embraced it's status as a tourist attraction and is set up very much like a museum exhibit. The "homeless" of Paris are stationed at the entrance of the chapel and, in hopes that people are feeling enlightened and generous upon leaving, at the exit as well.
- Champs Elysee - This is a VERY long stretch of road to walk, all the while teasing you with the Arc de Triomphe as your "light at the end of the tunnel." It is an enormous street, packed by people and cars with numerous landmark buildings situated on either side. It morphs into a shopping area just before reaching the Arc.
- Arc de Triomphe Etoile - Very, very big. I immediately was struck by the amount of work and planning it must have taken to assemble a monument like this. The stonework was beautiful and intricate, the sculptures on either side of the arch's "feet" depicted classical figures in various epic poses.
- Sacre Coeur - Another beautiful, but less known, basilica in Paris. It is literally 5 minutes from my hostel and I have been able to visit several times since I have been here. From its spot on the very top of Butte Montmartre, Sacre Coeur offers stunning views of the city and is especially beautiful at night.
All that said...
My hostel here is great, I have had great luck with my roommates: Tomas from Argentina, Hector from Mexico, Enrique from Brazil.
Regardless of the small language barrier that exists, we share stories from our home countries and the other places that we have been in the world. We are all from different countries, but our paths have all managed to converge here, at this hostel, of all the places. It is staggering to think about really; how people's lives can be so far spread one day and then intertwined the next. Even though you may never see them again, you always have that time you spent there, you always have that friendship that was forged within a few short days. You have the email addresses and the invitations to visit, and who knows, maybe one day you will meet each other again, only time will tell.
It is a dynamic that is still very new to me, but I like it. If these few days are any indication of what lies ahead, I cannot wait to see what people I meet as I make my way across Europe.
I have enjoyed my time here at Le Village and, while I am leaving tomorrow, I hope to be able to return at the end of March perhaps for a few nights before my flight to Bangkok.
And now, pictures. I had to make them smaller than usual because I only have so much time to wait for them to upload before I get kicked offline.
I have not enough time online to upload and arrange all of the photos into this post, but they are up on flickr in the "Paris, France" set.
LINK HERE
As always, thanks for reading.
Observations:
- The French are not as mean as is generally thought. While there are some exceptions, and there always are, the French are in general very friendly and willing to work with you if you don't speak the language.
- Water continually flows through the streets of Montmartre, I spose it is some sort of stab at street cleaning. Not sure if this extends into the rest of the city but I thought it was interesting.
- Fecal matter on the streets and sidewalks, of both the canine and human variety, doesn't seem to be a concern here in Paris as both pets and their owners have no issues with relieving themselves in pubic. This is not a HUGE thing, but it is something I noticed.
- The bread is amazing here.
- The artists of Montmartre are a talented group. It is a shame that some have resorted to painting scenes that would appeal to a tourist in order to make a buck. Still, an immense concentration of artistic ability is showcased everyday on Butte Montmartre in the small square sitting in the shadow of the Sacre Coeur.
- The homeless of the city have nicer luggage than I do.
- Walking for 10 hours a day is hard on the body. I need to pace myself.
The Attractions (my impressions of the tourist spots in Paris):
- The Eiffel Tower - It is what it is folks. It is an impressive number, I will most certainly give it that. One thing that I did not know before coming here was that every hour on the hour, thousands of flash strobes all over the exterior of the tower blink in alternating sequences making the tower appear to well, twinkle twinkle like a million huge stars on a gigantic metal tower. I spent a good amount of time shooting this thing before I found an angle that I was proud of. It's not your typical shot of the tower, but it's mine, and I like it, and it's on flickr. Go look.
- The Louvre - Overrun with tourists during the day. It seems you have to go right when it opens at 9:30 am in order to beat the crowds. I have only explored the exterior of this location but I will perhaps take a spin around the museum itself later this week.
- Notre Dame - Tourist, tourists everywhere from all around the globe. Enthusiastic japanese tour guides hop around and broadcast the history of the famous basilica to their eager followers before entering. The interior itself is immense and absolutely stunning. Notre Dame is home to some of the most incredible stained glass work I have ever seen. Hundreds of people moved through around the floor, through the pews and around behind the altar. While still a functioning place of worship, Notre Dame has embraced it's status as a tourist attraction and is set up very much like a museum exhibit. The "homeless" of Paris are stationed at the entrance of the chapel and, in hopes that people are feeling enlightened and generous upon leaving, at the exit as well.
- Champs Elysee - This is a VERY long stretch of road to walk, all the while teasing you with the Arc de Triomphe as your "light at the end of the tunnel." It is an enormous street, packed by people and cars with numerous landmark buildings situated on either side. It morphs into a shopping area just before reaching the Arc.
- Arc de Triomphe Etoile - Very, very big. I immediately was struck by the amount of work and planning it must have taken to assemble a monument like this. The stonework was beautiful and intricate, the sculptures on either side of the arch's "feet" depicted classical figures in various epic poses.
- Sacre Coeur - Another beautiful, but less known, basilica in Paris. It is literally 5 minutes from my hostel and I have been able to visit several times since I have been here. From its spot on the very top of Butte Montmartre, Sacre Coeur offers stunning views of the city and is especially beautiful at night.
All that said...
My hostel here is great, I have had great luck with my roommates: Tomas from Argentina, Hector from Mexico, Enrique from Brazil.
Regardless of the small language barrier that exists, we share stories from our home countries and the other places that we have been in the world. We are all from different countries, but our paths have all managed to converge here, at this hostel, of all the places. It is staggering to think about really; how people's lives can be so far spread one day and then intertwined the next. Even though you may never see them again, you always have that time you spent there, you always have that friendship that was forged within a few short days. You have the email addresses and the invitations to visit, and who knows, maybe one day you will meet each other again, only time will tell.
It is a dynamic that is still very new to me, but I like it. If these few days are any indication of what lies ahead, I cannot wait to see what people I meet as I make my way across Europe.
I have enjoyed my time here at Le Village and, while I am leaving tomorrow, I hope to be able to return at the end of March perhaps for a few nights before my flight to Bangkok.
And now, pictures. I had to make them smaller than usual because I only have so much time to wait for them to upload before I get kicked offline.
I have not enough time online to upload and arrange all of the photos into this post, but they are up on flickr in the "Paris, France" set.
LINK HERE
As always, thanks for reading.
Monday, February 4, 2008
Live from the streets of Paris
If there is one thing I can say about myself, it is that if I dont have internet where i am, i will find a place that does--even if that means i have to sit outside on the street typing on my ipod haha.
I discovered a hot spot outside of the opera house about 7 hours ago and have now returned to file my latest report.
Todays walk: 10 hours, 10gb of photos, 3 batteries, sore feet.
To keep it brief, I love Paris. It is the most photogenic city I have ever been to, I turn every corner in amazement. The city is just so alive.
No pictures for now, iPod ain't THAT incredible. I will post pics as soon as I can.
I hope all is well with everyone who reads this, au revoir!
I discovered a hot spot outside of the opera house about 7 hours ago and have now returned to file my latest report.
Todays walk: 10 hours, 10gb of photos, 3 batteries, sore feet.
To keep it brief, I love Paris. It is the most photogenic city I have ever been to, I turn every corner in amazement. The city is just so alive.
No pictures for now, iPod ain't THAT incredible. I will post pics as soon as I can.
I hope all is well with everyone who reads this, au revoir!
Friday, February 1, 2008
V&A
Today, I took a little trip to the Victoria & Albert museum with Jon and Andrew (Jesse's roommates). I knew the museum was big but I had no idea that it had such a diverse range of exhibits. There were artifacts from every part of the world, new and classic art, textiles, a huge hallway of sculptures, the list goes on. 
There is also an extensive collection of cast replicas at the V&A. These casts serve as a means of documentation and distribution, bringing famous immoveable sculptures and objects from around the world to visitors here at the museum.
There was also a great, albeit small, photography area which showcased work from some of the great photographers of the 20th Century. The work of Gary Winogrand, Walker Evans, Julia Margaret Cameron, Harry Callahan, Man Ray and even Weegee covered the walls. It was a flash back to History of Photo this past semester. Here they were, these images that I had studied, real and in the...fiber. It was great to see the original prints.
While we were there, we also checked out an extensive exhibit on theater set/costume design. Included in this exhibit were some of the most detailed scale models of sets that I have ever seen. The potential for trickery was high with these images but I decided, in the interest of storytelling, to come clean. These are models, very very detailed models.
To top it all off, the V&A had an enormous chandelier designed by Dale Chihuly hanging over the information desk in the lobby area. Crafted from blown glass and steel in Chihuly's Seattle workshop, the chandelier was designed specifically for the space and is 27 feet high, weighing 3800 pounds.
It was a great trip to the museum, to be followed by a great night out for Jesse's birthday party...or so we thought. A group of about 15 of us set out on the tube destined for "Sin," a nightclub a few miles away that had a bunch of sweet DJ's performing. We find the place and get in line, waiting in the cold for about 20 minutes before we are told at the door that they only accept passports as ID.
WOMP. We headed home.
It was a fun night though, considering the fact that we spent it on the train/walking/yelling "AMERICA!!!"(Andrew) at the bouncers as we left.
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