Psst. I'm Over Here.

The Mona Lisa is a victim of her own success. She lives in a basketball court-sized room behind green bulletproof glass, stanchioned off a dozen feet from her admirers. Visiting her was the most anticlimactic art experience I've ever had.

And it was fascinating. The room is large and packed with people. You can see her at the far end of the room as you enter but by the time you work your way through the crowd, the magic of the artwork has vanished. All you notice are the security measures and all of the humanity pressed against one another. Interestingly, it seems that most people feel the same way. As you collectively slink out of the Mona Lisa's basketball court, you want to make something good out of your famous art pilgrimage so you carefully investigate the artwork on the other walls. This further perplexes guests as they arrive to a room full of people looking at anything but the world's most famous piece of art. 

This photograph was captured with a Nikon D90.

Andre in Paris

Most people go to Paris for the romance and delicious food. Or they go for the centuries-old art and architecture. I love Paris for all of that but what intrigues me the most about Paris is the embarrassment of riches when it comes to street art. A keen eye is always watched over by Space Invader... or Dig Dug. Even Shephard Fairey, creator of the now immortal Obama Hope poster, has works on display with Andre the Giant. 

This photograph was captured with a Nikon D90. 

Parisian Metro I

The art deco Metro station signs in Paris have more than stood the test of time. In fact, I think the patina they have gained over the years makes them more alluring. It's easy to imagine Hemingway and his cohorts rushing down these stairs past this sign nearly 100 years ago.

I find it hard to believe that any new underground train line in today's era would spend the time to have artisans craft such appealing signage. It reminds you that there was an era where the train was a luxury and not a second or third choice. 

This photograph was captured with a Nikon D90.

My Valentine

Happy Valentine's Day! This is my Valentine, along the Seine in the City of Love. The Eiffel Tower can be seen, far downstream, keeping watch over Paris. I find that the Eiffel Tower is almost more impressive from a distance as you see how high it towers over all of the thick six-story apartment blocks all around Paris. 

This photograph was captured with a Nikon D90.

Cogsworth

I like that Disney placed the always-serious Cogsworth topiary in front of a wine bar at Epcot's France World Showcase. It certainly seems to have done the trick, too. He looks extremely happy and perhaps a little too relaxed for the butler who is responsible for keeping everything running to the Beast's liking back home at the castle. I guess even a magically-cursed talking clock needs to go out on the town for a little rest and relaxation from time-to-time. 

This photograph was captured with a Sony NEX-7 and edited in Adobe Lightroom.

The Left Bank

The Golden Hour in Paris is a photographer's dream. There's not much to say about this photograph of the Left Bank other than it's a really nice way to remember Paris. 

This photograph was captured with a Canon PowerShot SD780 IS and edited in Adobe Lightroom.

From Montmartre

You have no doubt seen many photos of the beautiful Sacré-Coeur Basilica that sits atop Montmartre. I have even posted one in the past.

What surprises me is how nobody ever turns the camera around when they get to the top of the "mountain." There's a quaint little town at the top and sweeping views of Paris below.

This particular photograph is both ruined and more interesting because some city planner decided it would be a good idea to direct people in search of a lavatory to either the Eiffel Tower or the street at the bottom of the large hill. I imagine quite a few people ignore the sign and use the bushes all while enjoying the tremendous view. It's just that kind of neighborhood, even if it is anchored by a beautiful basilica. 

This photograph was captured with a Nikon D90. 

The Louvre

There are three types of people in the world. People who love the pyramid addition to the Louvre, people who hate it and people who don't even know what I'm talking about. I never saw the Louvre before the pyramid but I have to admit that I like it!

This photograph was captured with a Nikon D90. 

Parisian Boat Race

I think the best way to spend a Sunday afternoon is to eat and drink your way through London's Borough Market but a close second is a stroll through Paris' famed Parc du Luxembourg.

If we're to believe his memoirs, a much younger, much poorer Hemingway used to hide out in the park until the guards left at night and kill doves with slingshots to feed his family while he was getting started on his craft. If it's good enough for Hem', it's good enough for me!

This photograph was captured with a Nikon D90.