Thursday, October 13, 2011

Marché Maubert - Paris friend




There is a story here.

In April, I returned to the thrice-weekly marché in Place Maubert to deliver a portrait that I had taken in June 2010.  As I have mentioned before, I carry back to Paris on each trip a small folio of portraits that I have taken.  When possible I deliver the photograph to the subject, reminding them when the shot was taken.  Although I am a master of stealth photography almost all of the "returns" were taken with permission.

So, back to the story... In April I was delivering the photo below and this fellow in yellow saw the exchange asking if he was not handsome enough to have his photo taken.  Bien sûr!  When I arrive in Paris in three weeks I will have the top photo tucked into my bag and will find him to renew acquaintances.  I always enjoy the triangle-folded treats from these vendors and in April they would not let me pay.  

Nothing like making friends in Paris, n'est-ce pas?




Marché Maubert
Tues, Thurs, Sat
Place Maubert
Métro Maubert-Mutualité
75005 Paris
 
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34 comments:

  1. VreniOctober 13, 2011 at 2:23 AM

    Nice story!! I´ve never been to the Marché Maubert...

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  2. UnknownOctober 13, 2011 at 2:51 AM

    hihi I had the same at belleville ;-) the markets are so fanny big hugh Kathrin have a nice time

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  3. French Girl in SeattleOctober 13, 2011 at 3:00 AM

    Friendly faces. Nice of you to take these photos back to your subjects! Most people would not bother. These treats look suspiciously like Nice's socca. What are they? Veronique (French Girl in Seattle)

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  4. AnonymousOctober 13, 2011 at 3:20 AM

    Partager de bons plat est la meilleure façon de se faire des amis. Il n'y a aucune barrière: ni de nationalités, ni de langues, ni de politique.
    Bonne journée, Genie!

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  5. diveOctober 13, 2011 at 3:39 AM

    Great portraits, Genie. And yummy food, too!

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  6. Elizabeth at Eiffel TellsOctober 13, 2011 at 4:41 AM

    What a lovely idea and portraits Genie.

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  7. s.cOctober 13, 2011 at 6:07 AM

    Nice shots. Looks like a kind of pancake. The french version of it.

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  8. biebkriebelsOctober 13, 2011 at 6:37 AM

    A very nice way to make friends. I like the first guy, he was right, he is handsome enough to have a photo from you.

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  9. this is BelgiumOctober 13, 2011 at 7:09 AM

    funny in a way... this makes me stop and think and reconsider. I have no problem ( not a big one anyway) "shooting" people but I would find it uncomfortable (somewhat) returning with their photo in my possession... I do think this is a fabulous way to get to KNOW the local folks though and a wonderful gesture. Can't wait to find out how many you will find on your next trip. Please keep us posted

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  10. brattcatOctober 13, 2011 at 7:42 AM

    and you, my dear, have a real gift for it.

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  11. MOctober 13, 2011 at 8:15 AM

    Ha, ha ... I remember that exchange! It was such a fun moment and a great story to retell. I also remember how delicious their little triangles were. They remind me of falafel. Having seen youbin action, I can attest to the amazing gift of friendship you possess ... And, of course, the amazing gift of photography (stealth or permitted)!

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  12. JenniferOctober 13, 2011 at 8:23 AM

    Wonderful portraits!
    I'm curious what the galettes are in the first photo?

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  13. AndyOctober 13, 2011 at 8:28 AM

    That's a new one. Someone asking the photographer to take their photo. Under normal conditions I have to do the asking. I don't have stealth photography skills like you Genie.

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  14. Irredento UrbanitaOctober 13, 2011 at 8:31 AM

    Great photo story. You can make a project of portraits only. Surprises will appear naturally.

    Hugs

    Valery

    Barcelona Daily Photo

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  15. PetOctober 13, 2011 at 8:39 AM

    And this is a wonderful way of making friends, certainly it is!

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  16. SRQOctober 13, 2011 at 9:34 AM

    Good story. I hope you find him! Bon chance!

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  17. HalcyonOctober 13, 2011 at 10:24 AM

    That is really sweet of you! I'm not sure what this treat is exactly. But if it's a cinnamon covered something... I'd like a taste! :)

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  18. Clueless in BostonOctober 13, 2011 at 11:49 AM

    Very nice portraits and it's great that you follow through and give them a copy of your photo.

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  19. LouiseOctober 13, 2011 at 12:02 PM

    So many wonderful things here- a new friend, a lovelyl tradition, delicious treats (what are they?), and an upcoming trip to Paris. So you'll be able to take more photos for us! Not that you seem in any danger of running out.....

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  20. Sylvia KOctober 13, 2011 at 12:38 PM

    These are great, Genie, and how lovely of you to give them copies! No wonder you're so welcome and get free goodies! Delightful post and photos as always, mon amie! I hope your week is going well! Enjoy!

    Sylvia

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  21. VirginiaOctober 13, 2011 at 12:56 PM

    Great idea. I'm taking "Madame" a photo or two this time since she's been the subject of so many photographs!

    Now what is that tri folded treat ? I've never had one.
    V

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  22. AlexaOctober 13, 2011 at 1:30 PM

    Love that story! I've done the same a couple of times in Venice—always with stealth photos, but the subjects seemed pleased anyway. Hope you enjoy your yummy-looking galette, Genie.

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  23. AnonymousOctober 13, 2011 at 2:09 PM

    Well ,you have certainly proved even to the most skeptical of Americans that you can indeed make friends in Paris!

    So many people I know who have visited Paris complain that they aren't very nice to Americans.

    Perhaps they need to learn from you how to do that mon amie.

    Kris

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  24. SpeedwayOctober 13, 2011 at 2:28 PM

    Sometimes it's hard to ask for permission, afraid I'll be rejected, but finding that most are happy to accommodate.

    Here's a lovely site for you -

    http://www.thesartorialist.com/photos/on-the-street-jardin-des-tuileries-paris-2/

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  25. PerthDailyPhotoOctober 13, 2011 at 2:36 PM

    Love the portraits Genie and I bet the subjects do too when you arrive with the pictures to show them. Great idea and excellent way to get 'sweet treats' good thinking haha!

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  26. MalyssOctober 13, 2011 at 2:48 PM

    That's a good way to meet people and get new friends!So, in 3 weeks, you'll be in Paris?!

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  27. StarmanOctober 13, 2011 at 3:14 PM

    It certainly beats being told "NO, no, no" and being chased away.

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  28. Paris PaulOctober 13, 2011 at 5:28 PM

    What in the heck is it? Oyster strudel?

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  29. DianneOctober 13, 2011 at 7:02 PM

    You have captured this handsome French monsieur beautifully Genie - I'm sure he will be delighted to recieve your return visit with photo in hand! xx

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  30. Elizabeth@ Pine Cones and AcornsOctober 13, 2011 at 9:07 PM

    I love coming to visit here. Can I ask, is this a great market to visit? I have not been to this one but if it is good I will go in December when I am there.

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  31. RandyOctober 13, 2011 at 11:24 PM

    What a wonderful thing to do. I love these shots.

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  32. JamesOctober 13, 2011 at 11:48 PM

    Great story and excellent portraits!

    I envy you but I'm very happy for you. I look forward to seeing your fresh Paris photos next month. :)

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  33. Genie -- Paris and BeyondOctober 14, 2011 at 1:18 AM

    There are a few techniques I employ to "make friends" in Paris, and this is one of them. (I will share another with you in a later post.) I have been doing this for a few years and it has not yet failed me. I have been buying these savory galettes on each visit to Paris and the gentleman with the blue shirt recognizes me. I had not met the fellow above, but he was very friendly.

    Many of you have asked about the "galette" seen in the top photo. I am not sure what it is called nor what was in the one he held up for the photo. Marie and I ate a ham and cheese one (triangle) and perhaps a spinach... both were tasty. I will report back on this in about a month.

    On my last trip (April 2011) I carried about 10 portrait photos and delivered all but "the piano man" who plays on the bridges of the Seine. I will carry that one again in November.

    Elizabeth, I have not found a market that disappointed me yet. This one was filled with people of the neighborhood, chatting with the vendors and the permanent shop owners. The Métro Maubert-Mutualité has an escalator exit that drops you right in this street market.

    Thank you for all of your comments, mes amis. I will be in Chicago but still posting and visiting as I am able. Enjoy your weekend.

    Bises,
    Genie

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  34. Amanda SummerOctober 14, 2011 at 11:30 PM

    you are an emotional genius, genie (say that three times!! ;-)

    what an incroyable idee ~ such a lovely way to connect with people! i will try to remember this the next time i voyage en grece...

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Merci for your comments!