Raised On Robbery

Paris is a lovely city. I didn't want to leave, but it was time. After my last dinner, I was compelled to have a "discussion" with the owner of a touristy bistro after being charged €6.20 (that's almost 8 bucks) for a flat, 16 o.z. Coca-Cola from the fountain. After calmly explaining my dissatisfaction, he explained things are expensive in Paris. I informed him I was familiar with expensive European capitals but his pricing was a little bit over the top. He then made a snide comment about Americans like me being provincial, as if I just fell off the turnip truck in Podunk, Iowa. I told him I was born and raised in New York and I know price gouging when I see it. He again mumbled something nasty in French, so I retorted he was basically committing "armed robbery." He didn't understand that phrase, so I went into pantomime mode and simulated a hold up, complete with pointing my index finger to the side of my head and raising my hands in the air. This really pissed him off, especially because my antics got a big laugh from a group of American tourists seated nearby. At this point, the owner went ballistic and screamed he would call the police if I didn't give him his asking price for the Coke. I informed him I had already paid, but I just wanted him to know that I knew how unethical he was. By the way, this all could of been avoided had Monsieur Greedy listed the beverage prices on the menu.

Oxymoron: Kitty The Dog

My visit to Paris lasted twelve days. Pictured is Catalina, my gracious and kind host, and "Kitty" the Beagle. Catalina is originally from Argentina and is an artist by trade. Needless to say, it didn't take long for her to fall in love with me. Of course, I'm talking about "Kitty."

I Left My Heart In Warsaw

Polish composer Frederic "Fred" Chopin died in Paris in 1849. He is buried here in the Pere Lachaise cemetery. However, upon his death his heart was placed in cognac and sent to a church in Warsaw. And you think American-Native customs are strange?

Unlucky In Death

Some poor bastard had the bad luck have the gravesite near Jim Morrison's. As you can see, Mr. Unknown's tomb is smattered with graffiti left by Jim's disciples. Also pictured is graffiti painted on a tree right near Jim's grave. Gee, what a shock to see that someone from Ocean Beach is a Jim Morrison fan.

When The Music's Over

I'm not big on visiting cemeteries, but I was inspired by a story Bruce Springsteen told last night as the set up to one of his new songs called "We Are Alive." So today I found myself in "Pere Lachaise" in Paris. Among the famous people buried here are Balzac, Chopin, Oscar Wilde, Maria Callas, etc. But the most visited stiff is Jim Morrison, the hard livin' former lead singer of The Doors. He died in Paris in 1971 at the tender age of 27 and is a member of the so-called "27 Club" which sadly includes the talented Amy Winehouse and Janis Joplin, among many others. The flowers you see were left by individuals as well as various Jim Morrison fan clubs from around the globe.

 

Pompidou Centre

The Pompidou Center serves as both a museum and library for the modern arts. The idea behind the building's design is to expose the inner workings (plumbing, vent pipes, etc.) on the exterior. The bottom photo depicts a sculpture by Niki de Saint Phalle located in the fountain outside the museum. A French artist, Ms. St. Phalle resided in La Jolla for many years before she passed away. You have probably seen her sculptures around San Diego, e.g., on the campus of UCSD, in Balboa Park, and on the lawn of the convention center across from Petco Park. I believe there's also some of her sculptures in a park in Escondido which I haven't seen due to the fact I don't enjoy long stage coach rides (Sorry, Robin. I couldn't resist).

Love Padlocks

In a few European countries it is a tradition for couples to etch their names on a padlock and attach it to a public fence, usually on a bridge. It symbolizes their eternal love for each other. Pictured is the Archbishop's Bridge over the Seine River near the Notre Dame Cathedral. Perhaps a more cynical person might have a different view of what a padlock symbolizes in a relationship. Not me. I'm just sayin'...