"Smells like Paris"

I guess it should, you know it is November and for many years I have made a visit to Paris just about this time of year. On more than one occasion the "Paris traveling crew" touches base during the Fall and Early Winter to exclaim,”Gosh it feels like Paris!”  

Terra Amazonia Crew

Spartanic's Load Out Crew

Alex's Birthday @ Harry's NY Bar

Night walking the town

It’s a small world and I have had the stellar opportunity to travel Paris on many an occasion. Before leaving on my first trip there was trepidation, would I embrace the crossing and survive the foods and customs? It always happens, I think it’s a rev up to the travel and a pre flight motivation to gather what is required. Then there was Lisa coming with and my little camera, I went out before we left and bought a back up – after all this was the “Trip of a lifetime” and who knew then I would keep going back?

 

Lisa and Chris having a large time @ the Head sculpture Saint Eustache

This morning as I open the back door to let Emily in, I hear and feel it – “like I was there."  The garbage truck is in the front of the house on high idle prepping for the route and there is a hint of diesel wafting across the expanse to me, riding on the cool misty fall morning in Chicago – sure feels like, smells like  and now it sounds “like” the Paris I fondly recall.

Looking back I see I have been there eight times. That once in a life time trip to Paris really panned out to be a multiple year run. Supporting a convention set up and take down I enjoyed a free room for the week, then it was a second year and oh yes a third…

Reflecting with Chris

"Bread walk - up hill"

Just what exactly is the draw for me? 






A photographer’s paradise, yes - but it is truly something more. The friends I have made, the folks I traveled with and the places we have seen on these trips have been nothing less than spectacular. A complete break from the routine including lots of walking, coffee and beer amazing fresh baked goods and my favorite breakfast in my whole world @ Le petit Cardinal.

I realize it’s the people, places and things we have done that draw me back, and every year as the camera gear and my ability to exploit their capabilities improves there is a corresponding ability to more properly “capture the scene.” Maybe next trip I will go with a specific list of images I would like to capture, the again maybe we’ll go and just “see what happens.”

Reflecting pond @ Monceau Park

Colonnade and reflecting pond @ Monceau Park

 

Champs Elysees at night from the Arc de Triomphe

Palace at Versailles

I am always happy to follow my camera around, even the times I have to keep track of it. You should see the Paris walking bag, it’s a handful – but worth the effort. 

"Barbque" @ the grave of Oscar Wilde

Barbeque with Lisa and Chris

We met "Barbeque" as he toured an young lady around the cemetery back in 2008. This year in February Chris enjoyed another experience with him, bringing Lisa along for the ride.

Stain Glass, Reflection and Depth of field - Pere Lachaise Cemetery Paris

 

John Chris and Marcy in the RER Station @ Charles De Gaulle

 Marcy finally decides to travel across the pond with "us." John gets to experience a different part of the world under the expert guidance of his Aunt Chris and Uncle Tom.( Note: This train movement photo was taken with my pocket Sony PC-200, you don't have to carry an SLR to capture great images)

Jay (me) and Tom, "Last day in Paris" no worse for the wear.

Because of Tom’s offer of a once in a lifetime trip, I know my way around Paris pretty well. And when I leave the city of love – I have made a new set of great memories, left only footprints and taken pictures… 

Thank you Tom.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jkleeman/sets/72157625776741962/ 

* Note photo's resized upon request. So yes it's changed!