La Fête de la Musique

A presentation of French regional music and dance : Jardin du Luxembourg : Paris, FR

From 21 June to 1 August, Paris hosts La Fête de la Musique with venues and a variety of music scattered at locations throughout the city. On our last day in Paris, we were walking through the gardens at the French Senate (Jardin du Luxembourg) and stopped to listen to this presentation of French regional folk music and dance.

 Detail on a performer's costume : La Fête de la Musique : Paris, FR

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 6/10

Cimetière du Montparnasse

Recumbent Crucifix : Cimetière du Montparnasse : Paris, FR

They say a visit to Paris isn't complete without a walk through the Cimetière du Montparnasse. So, that was done and can now be checked off the list!

 Pillar : Cimetière du Montparnasse : Paris, FR

These are just a couple of photos I took in this very famous Parisian cemetery, wherein are buried some of France's most notables. Namely: Frédéric Bartholdi, sculpture of the Statue of Liberty; Simone de Beauvoir, feminist and philosopher; André Citroën, founder of France Citroën auto factories; Émile Durkheim, sociologist; Jean-Pierre Rampal, flautist; and Jean-Paul Sartre, philosopher and novelist, among others.

 Stained Glass Crypt Window :
Cimetière du Montparnasse : Paris, FR

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 6/10

Église Saint-Sulpice

Chapel : Saint Sulpice : Paris, FR

Not long after hooking up with friends Virginia and Mary, we took a couple of side streets and ended up at Saint Sulpice. This 15th century, Romanesque church in the 6th Arrondisement is second only to Notre Dame in size.

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 6/10

Wim Delvoye

Double-helix Crucifix : Wim Delvoye : Musée Rodin : Paris, FR

The Musée Rodin included an exhibit of the works of Belgian neo-conceptual artist Wim Delvoye. He works with metal and constructs Gothic towers, culturally-iconic gates, and new interpretations on religious iconography, among other representations.

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 6/10

Wonderland

Lower gardens : Palace of Versailles : Versailles, FR

The gardens at Versailles are vast and quite beautiful. While I wasn't overly enthusiastic about the view of the landscaping from the ground level on the upper terrace (too much dirt, not enough flowers), I was quite taken by the gardens on the subterranean terrace. They made me think of Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland, because they were symmetrical, but whimsical.

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 6/10

Hall of Mirrors

The Hall of Mirrors : Palace of Versailles : Versailles, FR

The pièce de résistance of Versailles is the Hall of Mirrors. The Hall's fame comes from the seventeen mirrors that reflect the light streaming in from seventeen windows, which feature a view of the palace's gardens. The Hall was the scene of various royal events during the reigns of Louis the XIV, XV, and XVI. In the last century, the Treaty of Versailles was signed by the Germans in this room. Today, the Hall of Mirrors is occasionally used by the French government for state receptions.

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 6/10

Stately Accomodations

Detail on a Vase : Staterooms : Palace of Versailles : Versailles, FR

At the conclusion of the guided tour, we were then free to wonder through the palace on our own. The self-guided tour includes the staterooms of the King and Queen of France. These are just a few pictures of a handful of rooms open to the public.

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 6/10

Special Tour

Louis the XIV's Blue Dining Room : Versailles, FR

Versailles offers special tours in a variety of languages. We went on the one for English speakers and had an opportunity to see several of Louis the XIV's private rooms, a library, the blue dining room, and the royal opera house.

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 6/10

Gilded Gates of the Sun King

The front gate at the Chateau du Versailles : Versailles, FR

I have a ton of photos from Versailles, so I'm coming back to that for a bit. The main gate at Versailles was really breathtaking. The symbols of Louis the XIV are replete in this gate. The French believed their kings were divinely appointed. The globe with the triple fleur-de-lys is symbolic of the Holy Trinity, while the crown above it symbolizes Louis' divine right. The double L's are his unique stamp.

The gold leafing is new and part of the ongoing restoration work. In the sunlight, this gate and surrounding fences glow and are shining examples of the excesses of the monarchy in that period of history in France.

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 6/10

Goal!

Brazil v Cote d'Ivoire in the World Cup : Eiffel Tower : Paris, FR

The 2010 World Cup was well underway while we were in Paris. A bunch of us met up for a night shoot of the Eiffel Tower. On the grounds of the Trocadero, across from the Eiffel Tower, the City of Paris put up a large screen. On this particular night, it was Brazil versus Cote d'Ivoire. I think Brazil won, 3 to 1.

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 6/10

Dancing on the Rue Moufftard

Parisians gather on the Rue Moufftard on Sunday mornings to dance : Paris, FR

Friend Virginia recommended coming down to the Rue Moufftard to watch Parisians dance at the foot of the weekly farmer's market. Sadly, the weather conspired against us and the musicians and dancers were only out for a little while. Still, it was fun to watch.




Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 6/10

Rodin / d'Orsay

 Auguste Rodin's The Thinker : Musée Rodin : Paris, FR

Part of the point of the trip to Paris was to meet up with friends. Over my many years of blogging and participating in various email list communities, I've enjoyed meeting some of the people from those venues. This trip included meeting friends Aitch and Jay for the very first time, reconnecting with friend Chanson from Zurich, and having this Paris trip coincide with the visit of fellow photoblogger Virginia of Birmingham Daily Photo and Paris Through My Lens. We also had the pleasure of becoming acquainted with Virginia's friends, Mary, Gennie, and Marie. Today's activities feature a double bill: visits to the Rodin and Orsay Museums.

Nature as Art : Musée Rodin : Paris, FR

It was a lot of fun to see Rodin's work up close and personal, though I must say the building housing these masterpieces is in serious need of restoration. The Orsay, on the other hand, has to be one of the most beautiful buildings I've seen in Paris. Formally the Paris-Orleans train station, it has been restored and repurposed as a museum. Unfortunately, the Musée d'Orsay does not allow photography so I can't show you a personally-taken photo of the amazing clock that hangs over the main hall or Jean-Francoise Millet's The Gleaners (a needlepoint replica of which hung in my late maternal grandmother's home in Green River, Wyoming. It was neat to see, though, and made me think of my grandma and her artistry and love of art.)

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 6/10

Versailles

New gold leafing highlights the extravagance on the exterior of Versailles : Versailles, FR

On the first full day in Paris, the goal and objective was Versailles. This palace (the French understatedly call it a chateau) was built by Louis XIV, also known as the Sun King (le Roi Soleil). XIV reigned from the age of five until his death just shy of his 77th birthday. To this day, he remains the longest reigning monarch in European history. As an aside, if Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland lives to 98 and remains on the throne until 2024, she'll break XIV's record as longest reigning monarch in Europe. But I digress and this entry really isn't about QEII or XIV. It's about his "chateau" at Versailles.

Just one example of the detail to be seen on the perimeter of the palace : Versailles, FR

According to the official website, Versailles started out as Louis XIII's hunting lodge. Upon ascending the throne, XIV began expanding the lodge into a palace and expansions continued under Louis XV and Louis XVI. Versailles became the seat of French government until 1789 and the return of the royal family to Paris at the beginning of the French Revolution.

Statuary, fountains, and palace : Versailles, FR

In addition to the exquisite interiors, Versailles includes vast gardens and fountains. The palace has been the scene of some significant events in the last three centuries, including a visit by child prodigy Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1763), official reception of American statesman Benjamin Franklin (1777), the establishment of the German Empire (1871) and the signing of the peace treaty by Germany at the end of World War I (1919), among other events.

To see more photos of the exterior of this "chateau", check out the slideshow below.

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 6/10

Delayed

Delayed : GVA : Geneva, CH

This weekend's trip to Paris started off a little pear shaped. In an effort to save money, I bought tickets on Easy Jet* (Europe's equivalent of Southwest Airlines), because they were half as much as tickets on the train. Unfortunately, the flight to Paris Orly ended up being delayed by two hours. The reason, you ask? Seems air traffic controllers in France decided to go on strike for a few hours. Gotta love the French!

* Also often referred to as Sleazy Jet. Not because it's a pimpy, scummy airline, but because they're notorious for being delayed or canceling flights and because they nickel and dime you on every little thing. Of course, it keeps airfares low. I will say, Easy Jet has nice, new planes, which was a far sight better than the winged cattle cars I recently flew on domestic flights in the U.S.

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 6/10

Service Fiscal

Service Fiscal : Ferney-Voltaire, FR

This is the French part of the border crossing near where I live. The stations--there's a Swiss one about 100 yards further up the road--are rarely staffed by French or Swiss border guards. Occasionally we see the local police, but rarely. As a result, the locals call it the Smuggler's Route. With the Schengen Agreement, travelers in the EU can cross borders without presenting passports. Even though Switzerland isn't part of the EU, they participate in the Schengen.

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 6/10

See Gibby Run. Run, Gibby, Run!

See Gibby Run. Run, Gibby, Run! : Bossy, CH

Scott's and Diana's rat terrier, Gibby, runs off some energy in the fields around Bossy-Collex. The rest of us were walking off that morning's breakfast: Rösti kincaidischer Art.

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 5/10

Reflective

Reflective : UNAIDS : Geneva, CH

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 5/10

Stormy Weather?

 Stormy weather? : Ferney-Voltaire, FR

The weather can't seem to decide today. First, it was sunny and bright. Then, it turned cloudy and breezy. Currently, it's partly cloud and somewhat sunny. Will it rain? Who knows what it will do, but it makes for dramatic skies. (And by the way--when the weatherperson says "partly cloudy, mostly sunny" or "partly sunny, mostly cloudy", what does that mean? What percentage of cloud cover or sun exposure determines their choice? I'm sure it's a more/less than 50% thing, but honestly, why can't they just say "mostly sunny" or "partly sunny" and leave the rest out? Yes, this is how my mind spins.)

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 6/10

Blé

Wheat fields straddling France and Switzerland : Ferney-Voltaire, FR

Between us and Switzerland lies a field of wheat. I'm not sure how the farmer who ploughs and plants this field manages that. Does he have to pay duties and tariffs to the other country? Is the Swiss side of his wheat better than the French? When he ploughs and plants, does he have to show a passport? Things like this keep me awake at night. Well, not really, but I do wonder.

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 6/10

Art4Health

Pop art of India's Aishwarya Rai : Geneva, CH

Currently, there is an exhibit in the library at work that features commissioned art featuring images of women from developing countries that portray them as strong and proactive with regard to women's sexual and reproductive health. The project is called Art4Health and is a collaborative effort between several non-governmental and intergovernmental agencies.

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 6/10
Art copyright: Elisabetta Farina

Self-Portrait of a Commuter

Self-Portrait : Photographer as Commuter : F-Bus : Ferney-Voltaire, FR

I've been riding the bus to work the last week or so. I snapped this picture of myself in one of the buses mirrors.

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 6/10

100 Unnamed Strangers: Chops

Sign and seal with a chop : Pike Place Market : Seattle, WA

Skipping back to the U.S. for a moment, I took this photo of a vendor in Pike Place selling chops. Chops are a stamp the Chinese use to sign and seal documents. When my sister lived in Hong Kong, she had one made for each of us. Mine is at home right now in a box, but this guy and his wares reminded me of her gift.

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 6/10

Poppies

In Ferney's fields the poppies grow... : Ferney-Voltaire, FR

Spring means newly ploughed fields means new crops means poppies. Along the edge of the field across the street from the apartment and on the edge of Switzerland are bright, red poppies. I love the paper-like quality and creping of the petals of these flowers. These poppies are the Papaver rhoeas variety and are considered to be a common weed in Europe, where they are also a symbol of Remembrance Day and are worn to commemorate the dead of World War I. They were immortalized in a poem by Canadian Lt. Col. John McRae titled, "In Flanders Fields."

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved, and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 6/10

100 Unnamed Strangers: Pike Place Busker

Busker : Pike Place Market : Seattle, WA

Now that I'm home, I'll post a few more pictures from the portion of my trip to Seattle. This wizened gent was playing and singing at the entrance to Pike Place Market. I'm including him as one of my 100 Unnamed Strangers.

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 5/10

From the Archives: Washington Dulles International Airport

Dulles International Airport : Fairfax/Loudon County, VA

I've posted this photo before, but as this was the departure point on Sunday evening, I thought I'd put it up again. It's one of my favorite pictures from my D.C. Confidential blog.

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid

From the Archives: USAF Memorial

United States Air Force Memorial : Arlington, VA

One of the newer monuments and memorials near Washington, D.C., is the United States Air Force Memorial. When they first put it up, I didn't like it. At all. But, I spent some time with it and it grew on me. Here's a photo from my archives of this memorial to our men and women serving in the USAF.

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid

From the Archives: Washington Monument

Washington Monument : Washington, DC

A lot of time was spent running back and forth to Washington, D.C., for doctors' appointments, a home inspection, and a little shopping. Unfortunately, no time was spent taking pictures, despite the fact that I schlepped along my Nikon D5000. I wanted to spend time in the city taking pictures, but it just never happened. So, I'm pulling a few photos from my archives for my original photo blog, D.C. Confidential. This shot of the Washington Monument was taken in June 2008.

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid

Debate

Who washes and details your car? : Vienna, VA

This isn't the best picture, but one of the debates going on in my country right now surrounds immigration, the status of immigrants, and whether they should be required to carry papers as proof of their right to be in the U.S.

While getting my sister's car washed, I noticed that all of the people working on the cars were Hispanic. I'm assuming they were all legal as they were working for a company (Mr. Wash) that probably requires proper papers. Regardless, I'm often struck by the heated debate in the U.S., and how so many generational Americans seem to want immigrants out. While I'm in favor of curbing illegal immigration, I'm not in favor of telling all immigrants to go home.

First of all, unless you're a native American, we're all immigrants or the descendants of immigrants. Secondly, I defy you to show me a single long-generational American who is willing to pick their own strawberries, iron their own shirts, wash their own cars, landscape their own yards, paint their own living rooms, or cook all of their meals every single day. (I'm not suggesting every single one of us enjoys ALL of these services and amenities, but we take advantage of at least two of the aforementioned services once a week. After all, we all have to eat!) Third, if we're going to start demanding papers from people to prove their immigration status and/or their right to be here, then we all should have to carry papers. And a birth certificate, passport, or drivers license don't count. In fact, if you can tell me what does count, I'll be happy to carry it.

No doubt there are those who disagree. That's certainly you're right and I respect that. I guess I'm seeing this issue from a different perspective these days, though.

I've been living in France for the last year. It's lovely there and I enjoy my life and my work. It's also the first time in my life that I have been and am functionally illiterate. I don't speak French fluently and what little bit I do speak is seriously pathetic. I can barely read it (silently. I can't read it out loud, because I don't know the rules of pronunciation.) I don't understand 99% of what is said to me when people speak to me in French. I struggle to buy what I need, utilize essential services like doctors and mechanics, and socializing lacks the nuance I enjoy in my native and second languages (I speak German fairly fluently.)

My point in all that is to say, I have a greater appreciation for what it is to leave your homeland, go to another country, and try to make a living. It ain't easy and I have a lot more admiration for the men and women who come to my country to make a better life for themselves. I also understand why they often band together into neighborhoods of their ethnicity. I've done the same and am surrounded by expatriot Americans and Brits. Does that mean I don't want to embrace France and French? No, it just means that it's a lot of energy and work (and sometimes it's just easier. That said, I am registered to take a French class at the end of the summer.)

Our ancestors came here to create a better life for themselves and their families--whether that was in 1850 or 1930 or 2010. Many immigrants make our lives very, very comfortable. While I'm perfectly capable of washing my own car, the fact is, I don't and it's nice that there are those who are willing to do it for me.

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 5/10

Now Serving...

Co-exist : Vienna, VA

Arrived in the D.C.-area on Memorial Day and promptly began running errands--doctors' appointments, house inspection, visiting with friends and family, etc. My sister was kind enough to let me use her car while I was in town. As thanks for her generosity, I took it and had it washed and cleaned. The car wash was next to a McDonald's and I was amused by the sign next to the iconic Golden Arches. Perhaps it is possible for polar opposites to co-exist?

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 5/10

100 Friends and Family: Dan

Dan : Seattle, WA

I took a few random pictures of folks at the joint birthday celebration. They were your typical friends-at-an-event kind of pictures. This one of friend Dan really stood out, though. I love the colors.

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 5/10