Monday, September 12, 2011

Les trois flâneurs


On a Sunday morning in Square Trousseau, these three gentlemen were seen strolling through the park.  My guess is that they are old friends who meet here regularly to talk about their families, their thoughts on politics, or current events in the neighborhood.  I will have three copies of this photo for my next trip on the chance that I see them again on a Sunday morning.


Square Trousseau
Métro Ledru Rollin
 

32 comments:

French Girl in Seattle said...

Great picture Genie, and excellent idea! I bet they would be happy to get a copy of the photo. Veronique (French Girl in Seattle)

Pat said...

Glad you do that,too; so do I.

Malyss said...

here, such groups of old men often go together to the beach in the morning.I'm sure they'll be glad to have a picture, they surely never take any.

Anonymous said...

What a lovely idea, I would love to be a bird of the shoulder of one of these gentlemen.
x

dive said...

What better way to spend the morning than strolling in the park?
This reminds me of Victor Hugo's "To err is human; to stroll: Parisian."

cocoa and coconut said...

Haha they look so typically French!

this is Belgium said...

they certainly do not look like pétanqueurs.. I hope and hope that they will be there when you get back..

Caroline Lind said...

Oh I love these type of pics, everyday life, captured perfectly!

The Time Sculptor said...

Hello Genie... found you via your comment on Salt & Light. Just wanted to say what a unique idea for a blog! I still haven't managed to get to Paris, but looking through your posts makes me feel as if I have. You've inspired me to make the effort very soon... before the spring even :-)
Jane Gray

Gringo said...

Hi Genie, Nice shot, and it would be interesting to hear their story if you ever see them again...

Travel France Online said...

I think you have guessed right! These three old men most likely make an habit of meeting and chatting every Sunday in the square! The photos is just right in Black and White! DeeBee x

Anonymous said...

I would hope they are not homeless? What happens to the homeless citizens of France?

PerthDailyPhoto said...

They do look very relaxed in each others company, what a great shot Genie, would love to see their expressions if or when you present them with this image! Maybe then we will get to see their faces oui!!

Virginia said...

You know I have this "older men in Paris" fetish! I can't stop snapping! I often think I should take the photos on a return trip. I think I"ll take the lady that dances on Mouffetard one! :)
V

Halcyon said...

Looks like they're used to each other. :)

Rob-bear said...

The guys do look like this is something they have done before. Long time friends, as you have described.
But where are the "old" men in the picture?

Fábio Martins said...

An interesting photo! Why do not take the photo in front? :)

French Girl in Seattle said...

2nd message Genie. Just wanted to let you know that I have mentioned your fabulous blog in today's post. Bonne journée. Veronique (French Girl in Seattle)

Sylvia K said...

A terrific capture as always, Genie, and I think having copies for them is a great idea. I think you're right about them being friends and meeting to solve the world's problems -- come to think of it, they could probably do a better job than the people who actually get paid to do that! Hope you have a great evening, mon amie!

Sylvia

Jack said...

I'll bet they are checking out the 18-year old girls.

Grammy Goodwill said...

Great picture, and I hope you get the chance to give it to them. Around here, they would drink coffee at McDonalds.

Starman said...

You must have a great memory if you can remember what three random strangers look like a year or so later.

PETRO50 said...

Yes, it seems that talking about something like that. Great photo with the flow of ideas. Thank you for your comment. Have a nice day wishes Peter.

Rob Siemann said...

Maybe they're looking for the closest petanque place...

biebkriebels said...

They are walking really quiet together, I wonder if you ever find them back, all three?

Paris Paul said...

Another one of those lovely pictures that unfolds a story when you look at it.

Randy said...

What a wonderful shot. Friends just hanging out together.

Alexa said...

What a wonderful photo, and quelle idée géniale (so to speak)! Hope you do run into them again, Genie. I've done this in Venice—with a guy who sells at the Rialto market and my favorite waiter at my favorite restaurant in the campo Santa Margherita. (They were both thrilled, btw.)

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

First, I wanted to clear up the question of age, which I did not mention in my post, simply stating that they were "old friends." Fábio asked why I did not get a "front shot" and the simple answer is that they were leaving the park when I saw them and as it was I had to run to get this shot. In a way it is more interesting that the front view.

I have many, many portraits of people and have since my first return trip to Paris carried prints with me. On my trip in April, I delivered all but one of the seven shots I brought, only missing "the piano man on Pont St. Louis." It is the surest way to make a friend in Paris and I have never had a bad encounter. Oh, and how will I find them again? Well, I do have a photo of them sitting on a bench for identification, and I am betting that when I return on a Sunday morning, they will be there and sitting on the same bench... Stay tuned

There is another quirky thing I do to reach out to strangers, but I will share that another time.

Love your comments!

Bises,
Genie

James said...

What a wonderful idea! I hope you see them again!

Anonymous said...

Genie,

I love this photo and taking the shot from behind is far more interesting than a shot from the front. It tells a story of three men, friends for many years, meeting in the park to discuss, past memories (how things have changed since they were younger HA) and their families. I feel a sense of sadness in the way they stroll off...like their contribution to society is somehow limited now...No more running around, just passing the time.

I love the way you meet people...a simple photo can bring a smile you may not have received otherwise.

Kris

Julie said...

Australian men would not dream of doing this - unless on their way to either the football or the pub.

Sad really ...