Friday, May 6, 2011

Night cafe scene


On our last night in Paris, Janeen, Marie and I headed for dinner at Grand Colbert. As we walked along Rue St Honore from our apartment at Rue St Roch, I was taken by the quintessential Paris scenes playing out before my eyes. Already a bit nostalgic and feeling the tug of home and the lure of all that I love in Paris, each vignette played out in slow motion. The camera clicks are merely reflections of my memories, permanently etched.

34 comments:

Rob-bear said...

Un café beau. Mais, où est la mouette? Trop tôt, peut-être?

Mary Ann Pickett said...

Oh we never made it to Le Grand Colbert this last trip. What did you order? Great lighting in the little cafe.

This is Belgium said...

Yes, Genie, I guess places like this contribute to the "specialness" of Paris. Great terrace although I am not totally convinced that the man who is looking at you is very happy that you passed by at that very moment. That's part of the fun and challenges of street scenes photography ;-)

Jennifer said...

I love capturing the café scenes at night. The atmosphere is very special.

Dianne said...

Cafe scene with that beautiful twilight glow - just magical!

PerthDailyPhoto said...

Beautiful mellow yellow
Best wishes Genie
Grace

Shell Sherree said...

I love the night lighting you've captured here, Genie. Perhaps the gentleman looking at you would be chirpier if he only knew what a delightful blog he was about to be featured on.

Andy said...

You wandered into a man's only club?

Louise said...

The last night of any Paris trip is always so bittersweet. Such a great memory you have of it here

M said...

This is a nostalgic moment ... and, it reminds me ... we didn't eat any crepes!! Guess we'll just have to go back ;-)

Randy said...

Beautiful night scene. Just what I would expect to see in that beautiful city.

Halcyon said...

I think the dude likes you. :)

Starman said...

You know, I don't think I've ever had a crêpe in Paris.

biebkriebels said...

Beautiful light, the boy noticed you making the photo.

Virginia said...

Oh I know that feeling on the last day. You want to snap everything is sight so as not to miss a single detail to bring home.

Grand Colbert, not eaten there but got the sign once! :)
V

M said...

What Genie didn't tell you is that Alan Alda and his wife were sitting one table away from us at the Grand Colbert ... and, in case you're wondering ... NO, we did not take photos of him.

Anonymous said...

I miss that café culture so much. Thanks for the reminder it's out there!

TheChieftess said...

Lovely thoughts and photo Genie!!!

orvokki said...

Ah, kuinka toivoisin voivani istua caffeella Pariisissa..:)
I would like to sitz in cafee.. in Paris. That is a good foto.

Springregards from Finland.

Alexa said...

Oops—didn't get to Colbert on my last visit. Guess I'll have to go back too. :~} You've articulated beautifully (both in words and image) what I love about taking photos: the exact moment captured. Love this one, Genie!

Loree said...

I love the glow in the photo. It gives it a nostalgic feel which fits in well with your words.

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

Bear -- Hihi... la muette est au Jardin des Tuileries avec tous ses amis! Bon weekend, mon ami.

MA -- Le Grand Colbert was quite nice and as I remember we had a great meal, the most memorable of which was our desserts! I was itching to get to the full moon and the Louvre

Anni -- I wish that he had not been staring at me like I had a seagull on my shoulder or something (hehe)... Merci

Loulou -- The cafe scenes have different appearances throughout the day and the early night scene often has people at the end of the work day.

Dianne -- It was that period of day after sunset but before the twilight sets in... merci

Grace -- The yellow cast defined so well the evening that I could not put it in b/w

Shell -- Hah, I just bet he would love being featured in my blog (not)... I think he just wanted to ask about la muette!

Andy -- Well, it would not be the first time

Louise -- That is so true and this night was so special to be with friends, great weather and the rising full moon... le sigh

Randy -- It did seem that every few steps I was "clicking" away... That special evening light does not last very long

Halcyon -- Well, I think he wondered about yet another crazy American with a camera

Starman -- Well the best ones are on the street (Nutella and banana for me)

biebkriebels -- Yes, I think he did... merci, mon amie et bon weekend

Virginia -- It was a great evening and atmosphere

Marie -- Yes, we must go back for crepes! I just could not have photographed Alan Alda while he was having dinner with his wife and friends

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

AA -- I have seen cities in the US try to replicate that scene but it is just not the same

Chieftess -- Many thanks my friend and have a great weekend!

orvokki -- I think that we could have quite a group of us who would love to sit in a cafe in Paris... Thank you for visiting and commenting

Alexa -- Yes, as you fly home always make a list for your next trip! Merci, mon amie.

Loree -- Thank you... I am so glad that that mood and feeling came across in both the words and the photo.

suzanneberry said...

Beautiful and thought provoking as always! Oh my!

James said...

A very touching post.
The photo together with your words brings back the feelings of the last night in Paris. I'm feeling nostalgic right now.

We almost went to Le Grand Colbert several times but never made it through the door. :)

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

Suzanne -- So glad that you like this vignette... bon weekend, mon amie!

James -- Everyone who feels an attachment to Paris knows the "last night" feelings. I think with photographs you can retain and remember (even "reflect") on those wonderful moments. I knew you would understand

Jack said...

This is nice, Genie. Very real. It is less of a carefully composed image than a slice of life.

PJ said...

Still, it's wonderful to have visual record. You had a wonderful, wonderful time I think.

Shirley said...

Nicely said. Paris is definitely alluring. Someday, I too shall see it.

Pierre BOYER said...

J'aime beaucoup l'ambiance de cette image,
Les terrasses des cafés aux beaux jours...
Merci Genie !
Belle journée,

Pierre

Anonymous said...

My dear Genie,
You will always have Paris x

Carol Schiff Daily Painting said...

I am very excited about my pending trip. Each visit to your blog amps up my excitement!

Harriet said...

My comment didn't get saved the first time :(.

We had dinner at Grand Colbert soon after the release of the movie, Something's Gotta Give. They showed us their photo book from the movie shoot. A fun evening.

Vreni said...

I´m wondering why there are no women...