Saturday, December 18, 2010

Taking home the tree...




In Paris, this is a huge tree and it probably was quite heavy to carry. This gentleman put it down as he waited for the light to change at Boulevard Diderot. Perhaps he was carrying it to the barracks of the Sapeurs-Pompiers just across the street.

Caserne de sapeurs pompiers
26, rue de Chaligny

20 comments:

Shane Pollard said...

Oh Genie
What lovely images you're giving us of Christmas time in Paris - I'm so envious - as I've no doubt mentioned before!!
That would be a big tree, when you consider he may even have to get it home via the metro too...
In the villages they do have big trees and decorate their houses inside and out - even the gate has a garland of greenery and a santa!!
Christmas hugs
Shane x

Andy said...

Nice to see people in the Christmas Spirit.

o2 said...

That's funny! This is the magic of Christmas, right? Christmas trees can walk! :)

Cezar and Léia said...

It's the REAL Christmas tree!Cool shot, I hope they were not waiting for the bus!I imagine it's complicated with the sapim!
hugs
Léia

Tammy @BeatriceBanks said...

Great photo! And I wished I had a crepe (french word on sidebar.)
Merry Christmas!
Tammy

M said...

I can't imagine lugging a Christmas tree on foot -- Such a manly man!! I love seeing the joy of Christmas. Lovely in B&W. BTW -- the word of the day is definitely making me hungry for a Nutella crepe!! Mais non -- it's not on my diet ... tant pis!

Cryingbear said...

Great Picture! it looks like a Doisneau's!

Unknown said...

Somehow it seems much more glamorous to take home your tree in Paris! XX!

Malyss said...

For such sceneries I like christmas time!
Funny to read on your sidebar that "crepe" is translated as "french" pancake..

Loree said...

Walking home with the tree sounds like such a chore. Loved your photo.

Greensboro Daily Photo said...

Your photos remind us that, at Christmastime, Paris is nothing short of magical!!!

Starman said...

Before I realized what I was seeing, I was thinking that person must be really cold to be bundled-up like that.

Unknown said...

Christmas trees are always expensive in the city. I noticed it comes with its own stand, which is handy.

There are so many tree farms around here that we always end up getting a way-too-big tree. But we always love it when we're done decorating! :-)

EG CameraGirl said...

I like the tree stand! Is that standard in Paris?

Alexa said...

Does he keep it in that block of wood once it's chez lui (cute, but how would it get watered)?
M- I live in NYC, and have never carried a tree any other way but on foot! But it has always been a two-man (or woman) job.
I'm loving all your "Noel a Paris" pix, Genie.

Dawn said...

What a great capture. It looks as though he is merely taking his tree for a walk!:)
Came across you through Ninny...glad to have come by. Thank you for your captivating images!

Anonymous said...

I noticed that, at least in the Paris area, trees come with a built-in stand fabricated from a log.

Neat capture, the monochrome is very nice.

Randy said...

I just love this photograph. If the photo were in a shop I would have to have it for an annual Christmas photo for my house. The B&W gives it that perfect touch. I also like that they used an old piece of tree as a stand.

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

Thanks for all the comments...

We saw many people toting trees of varying heights (trees and people, hehe). The method of transporting varied from "over the shoulder" technique to little carts... even saw a toddler walking while his stroller was used for the tree (posted a week ago the photos).

I would have to say that I have not seen one on the Métro which makes me think that most people buy their trees close to home.

The half-log stand is quite creative and probably adds to the weight while toting it home. Alexa, I do think that they keep them in the log stands for the holidays but cannot verify. Anyone?

I did notice that the prices of trees vary by the area in which they are sold. Having taken many (really many) photos of the trees, I could probably direct a Parisian to a less costly purchase area, but then there would be the problem of getting it home.

Cryingbear -- Wow! Merci beaucoup!

Kate said...

Having a tree this size makes so much sense! Love that he's able to tote it home, even tho it may be heavy. Portable and practical while still retaining the holiday spirit. We have lots to learn from one another!