Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Sunday afternoon in the Marais


The activity and the colors in this typical street scene in the Marais is pleasing to my camera, but the blatant "Coke" display is akin to seeing the Starbucks and McD logos in Paris. As a spoiled visitor who likes to imagine that she is living in Paris, I do not want these "Americanisms" in the city I adore.

(Okay, the mini-rant is over)

Bon mardi
at

32 comments:

  1. AnonymousMarch 15, 2011 at 3:16 AM

    I know what you mean. I have this love affair with Paris and France and I don't expect anything "modern" to enter into my idea of it all --- unfortunately it does now and then...but it still captures my heart and soul. x

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  2. AnonymousMarch 15, 2011 at 4:38 AM

    C'est bien, ce que tu penses, Genie. Tu es la plus Française des Américaines!
    Il ne faut pas dénaturer un pays et une culture. C'est tout le charme de voyager à l'étranger. Chaque pays doit garder son authenticité. Et c'est vrai qu'à Paris, comme dans la plupart des villes, les enseignes américaines fleurissent beaucoup trop. C'est comme la langue anglaise qui veut absolument s'imposer partout. C'est bien dommage. La langue anglaise est parfaite pour le business, mais, pour le reste, nous devrions être beaucoup plus attaché à la la langue française qui est, avant tout, celle de l'amour...
    Bonne journée Genie, et merci d'aimer la France!

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  3. martinealisonMarch 15, 2011 at 5:27 AM

    Rien de mieux que le terroir... ses produits, ses goûts et ses senteurs...
    bisous

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  4. AndyMarch 15, 2011 at 6:06 AM

    I know what you mean. Every town and city in Canada are beginning to look the same with McDonald's, Home Depot, Wal-mart, etc. It's all about money. Anyways Genie, I still like your photo.

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  5. Forest Dream WeaverMarch 15, 2011 at 6:29 AM

    Genie I love these everyday street life photos......enjoy your day! Rx.

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  6. DianneMarch 15, 2011 at 8:26 AM

    Bonjour Genie:- I'm with you on this - I love the rouge, but not the Coca- Cola. xx

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  7. AnonymousMarch 15, 2011 at 8:51 AM

    Such a sweet, fresh market. Lovely ~ xox Alexandra

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  8. Carol Schiff Daily PaintingMarch 15, 2011 at 8:56 AM

    Yes, Coca Cola does intrude in our fantasy...alas reality is always there.

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  9. DianeMarch 15, 2011 at 9:08 AM

    So right - they need to stay in America. I wish the UK had gone down the "European " route when it comes to living and lifestyles and not the American way - no offence meant but in my eyes, the Europeans (especially the French) have it sussed. x

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  10. Rob-bearMarch 15, 2011 at 9:41 AM

    Peut-être Paris, Georgia? Je pense que NON! C'est très regrettable.

    A demain.

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  11. MalyssMarch 15, 2011 at 10:10 AM

    I agree with you!
    What I like in this picture is the contrast between the lonely girl and the boys gathering to gether..Funny,and interesting!

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  12. RandyMarch 15, 2011 at 10:24 AM

    That's funny I was just thinking about that when I was in Taos. No Starbucks, Target just local stuff everywhere. There was a Walmart however. Great shot!

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  13. VirginiaMarch 15, 2011 at 10:35 AM

    I"ve had this rant on my blog several times. Don't get me started again this am! I will say I wish I were in the Marais this very morning!
    V

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  14. RobMarch 15, 2011 at 11:33 AM

    Geez, there are so many coca-cola logos all over in this shop. Happily, Paris is not inundated with the golden arches or any other logo of fast so-called food like products.

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  15. Cezar and LéiaMarch 15, 2011 at 12:10 PM

    I love this kind of picture with street scenery.This store looks interesting!
    I see many people enjoy there, it's very nice!
    Léia

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  16. HalcyonMarch 15, 2011 at 1:01 PM

    Ah well... at least they add some nice color!

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  17. suzanneberryMarch 15, 2011 at 1:43 PM

    it does seem ill-conceived in a city that takes such care to remain authentic to see these harsh icons, however, as usual your photographs are amazing!

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  18. TheChieftessMarch 15, 2011 at 3:21 PM

    I'm right there with you Genie!!! But I must admit...the coca cola accoutrements don't bother me nearly as much as seeing a Kentucky Fried Chicken or McDonalds...even Starbucks is preferable!!!

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  19. LoreeMarch 15, 2011 at 4:27 PM

    Yes sometimes it feels as if places are starting to look more and more alike with all the franchises but then, when you look past that, you realise that these little things cannot change the soul of a place.

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  20. AlexaMarch 15, 2011 at 4:53 PM

    You're definitely preaching to the choir here! But I do love your photo. ;~}

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  21. JackMarch 15, 2011 at 6:38 PM

    Thast is why they make Photoshop, HOney!

    I'm taking credit for yesterday's photo. I set the camera on the tripod, focused it on the frozen image on the TV screen, did a few test shots, found the spot to sit, and then took my place. But, my wife might have pushed the button . . .

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  22. Pam HolnbackMarch 15, 2011 at 7:45 PM

    I have got to get to Paris!

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  23. AnonymousMarch 15, 2011 at 11:18 PM

    Ah, but nothing is better than a cold coke, except that in Europe it's not quite cold! But the beer, now that is cold!

    Liz

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  24. JacquelineMarch 15, 2011 at 11:33 PM

    Great photos!

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  25. Amanda SummerMarch 16, 2011 at 12:10 AM

    it's funny, but the first thing that drew my eye was the english 'walls' ice cream logo (but called something else in france?)

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  26. Genie -- Paris and BeyondMarch 16, 2011 at 12:35 AM

    To all == I have read your comments off and on all day and had the best intentions of responding.... but, I have been working in Oregon since Sunday and too tired tonight... Home tomorrow for a few days and I will be visiting your blogs with comments then... Bises, Genie

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  27. weekend et coup de brosseMarch 16, 2011 at 10:32 AM

    Et oui Génie, hélas le monde du "business" est partout dans toutes les capitales, je suis d'accord avec toi, nous devrions garder notre identité culinaire, le monde va ainsi et c'est dommageable je pense aussi, à chacun ses particularités, à chaque pays ses beautés et traditions ainsi que ses imperfections.
    Belles photos!

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  28. StarmanMarch 16, 2011 at 2:44 PM

    As if Starbucks and Mcd's were the only invaders, you've also got Office Depot, KFC and Pizza Hut just from memory. I know I've seen others but can't remember them at the moment.

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  29. cocoa and coconut March 16, 2011 at 11:11 PM

    Yes - all those American products/logos need to get out of Paris! Vive la tradition!

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  30. Sam Hoffer / My Carolina KitchenMarch 17, 2011 at 8:10 AM

    I was shocked the first time I saw a McDonalds in France. It was in Nice in the old market area and seemed so out of place.

    I just discovered your blog and I'm having great fun looking around. My husband and I love France also, especially the south of France in the Saint-Remy area. I'm off now to enjoy more of your lovely blog and get my dose of France this morning.
    Sam

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  31. cieldequimperMarch 17, 2011 at 5:30 PM

    Sign o' the globalised times.

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  32. Kelley Carey MacDonaldMarch 18, 2011 at 2:24 PM

    I can deal with Coke - it's worldwide, and tastes better in Paris (of course) - but yeah, do we need Starbucks? The French have SUCH good coffee..

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Merci for your comments!