Wonderful weekend walking many miles through the streets of Paris, it is the way to see and experience this elegant city...but One of our walks took us a considerable distance along the banks of the Sein (Rive Droite)from the Eiffel Tower to the Isle de Cite. Unfortunately 'under the bridges of Paris' turned out to be a 'turn off' due to a strong smell of urine experienced under many of the bridges. The French appear not to be bothered by this as many early morning joggers passed us by without the screwed up expression on their faces that we must have been displaying. We will most definately be returning to Paris but stick to the higher level along by the river.
Is there any big city anywhere that doesn't have urine-y smells in at least some places? Mine does (Seattle). Ones I travel to often (San Francisco, NY) do. Given the hundreds of tents I've seen belonging to homeless people that line the Seine, I'll bet it smells like urine!
As a postscript to our visit: It was difficult to find a suitable camera setting for this photo. It is the stunning Grand Foyer inside the Paris Opera House. John.
I didn't think it was possible to capture the jaw dropping beauty of this place but John you did with this photo. You've captured the exact overwhelming feeling you get when you stand in the midst of this grandeur. Thank you very much John. Barb Cabot
Posts: 587 | Location: Long Beach, California | Registered: 27 August 2007
The French lyrics for Sous les Ponts de Paris are here.
Here's a translation:
To travel to Suresnes or even Charenton All along the Seine you cruise under the bridges During the day, all along the way All of Paris, seen from a boat, parades by Full of hope and energy, people come and people go But in the evening when everything sleeps peacefully....
Under the bridges of Paris, when night falls, All sorts of rogues hide in the shadows And are happy to find a place to sleep It’s a drafty hotel, but it doesn’t cost much The smell and the water, it’s pretty much free, my fine friend Under the bridges of Paris.
Coming out of the factory, Julot meets Nini How’s it going, Redhead? Today’s a special day Take this bouquet, a few little flowers It’s not much but it’s all I can afford, Come along with me; I know a place Where we won't have to worry about the light of the full moon.
Under the bridges of Paris, when night falls Since there’s no money to pay for a room, The happy young couple comes to make love in the shadows, Staring into each other’s eyes and dreaming pretty dreams, Julot partakes of Nini’s sweet kisses Under the bridges of Paris.
A pitiful creature, evicted from her home, A poor mother with her three little ones Finding their way with no heat and no bread They have no choice in their atrocious fate. With nightfall approaching all Maman can say is Finally my children will have a place to sleep.
Under the bridges of Paris, when night falls, Here near the Seine they come to sleep In their sleep they forget their sorrow If we helped them a little, all the really poor people There would be no more suicides and murders in the night Under the bridges of Paris.
Mademoiselle Fifi. I did but the results were dissapointing. Not the same clarity as achieved in the Grand Foyer.Probably camera movement on my part.If I think they are worth it I will post here. regards J.
Here it is... not a particularly good example by any means and compression doesnt help. I put it through a clarifying filter before posting in an attempt to improve things. J.
