Showing posts with label Europe. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Europe. Show all posts

Tuesday, May 26, 2020

Eiffel Tower Reflections

I vividly remember the day I took my Eiffel Tower Reflection photo as one of the best days of the summer in 2019.

Eiffel Tower Reflected in Puddle by Jeanne Selep
Eiffel Tower Reflection

First, just being in Paris made it a great day, but on top of that I achieved a goal I had set - getting a photo of the Eiffel Tower reflected in a puddle.  Puddle photos caught my attention multiple times over the years, but I knew Paris was having a hot and dry summer.  If the weather presented an opportunity, I knew I would have to move fast.  

Eiffel Tower Reflected in Puddle by Jeanne Selep
Eiffel Tower Reflection

My son and I left the Musée Marmottan (Marmottan Museum) and discovered a downpour going on.  We changed plans on the spot, bought an umbrella at the museum, and decided to go to the Eiffel Tower for perhaps the 3rd time that trip.  There were no metro shortcuts, so we literally started to run to the Eiffel Tower so I could "get my shot".

Portrait at the Eiffel Tower
Me and my umbrella

When a fit 20-something male decides to move fast, it can be quite a fast pace.  We basically ran what google maps claims is only 2.4 km (Personally, I think google might be wrong - it seemed like much farther).

Then we looked for puddles and waited for the rain to stop.  

Food Stand near Eiffel Tower
Eiffel Tower in different puddle with raindrops

The wait was made much nicer by eating crepes from the now very uncrowded concession stand near a carousel.   
(At least I ate crepes.  Nathan ate the kind of lunch a 20-something eats after a delayed lunch and running for a half an hour. So, maybe two sandwiches, a couple of snacks, then crepes...)

Food Stand near Eiffel Tower
Food Stand near Eiffel Tower

Gray and rainy doesn't necessarily bring me down, in fact it can be sometimes quite nice.  Even if your shoes are soaking wet.  (The vendors and crowds near the Eiffel Tower must melt in the rain - they seemed to disappear, especially the vendors.)
Decorative Syrup Flavor containers
Decorative flavoring containers at the food stand

We people watched as we waited - the wedding couple below and their photographer were fun to watch as they tried to ignore the rain as well.

Eiffel Tower Reflected in Puddle by Jeanne Selep
Wedding Couple at the Eiffel Tower

I might not have achieved my ideal "puddle" shot, but I love the memories it brings back.  The size of the "puddle" was mammoth, which somehow seems appropriate for the Eiffel Tower - dwarfing the cars and motorcycles and people with umbrellas.  
(Ideal shot: Eiffel tower lit up at night reflected in the puddle - a goal for next time?)

Eiffel Tower Reflected in Puddle by Jeanne Selep
Eiffel Tower Reflection 2

We had to wait for traffic to stop and the puddle to "settle" between photos, and I never caught a good shot of the cars splashing through the puddle still reflecting the tower, but there still is an energy in the in the photo above, and I love the way the cobblestones show through.

Eiffel Tower Reflected in Puddle by Jeanne Selep
Eiffel Tower Reflection

That evening we met my daughter after her classes, went grocery shopping, and cooked a family meal in her dorm's kitchen, achieving one of her summer goals as well.  Overall, a great day in a beautiful city.

Fun note: Puddle shots are trickier than I thought - you have to find the puddle, the best angle for reflection (that is safe and not in the middle of a road), figure out where to focus, (which basically means what you want to have in focus), and how you want to compose it given the limitations of your lens and the geometry of the distances involved.  If you get too low to the ground, the reflected object becomes squashed. So perhaps I should have considered practicing before I went, but there aren't a lot of Eiffel Towers back home where I live. 


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I think about the French people during this Coronavirus pandemic.  I think about the few I met, and the ones that assist and rely on the tourists, which I so enjoyed being.  I think about the beautiful museums, restaurants, and stores, and their staff, and I hope they are healthy, and will come out of this summer doing fine.  

I hope the same for you as well.  May you find great moments in what surely will be the weirdest summer of many people's lives.


Click on the images to see them enlarged.

If you enjoyed this post, you might also enjoy (travel)...

Japan Memories
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NYC Windows 3
NYC Windows 2
NYC Windows 1
NYC Easter
El Capitan
Autumn Color
Appalachia
Dogs of New York
Prague
Wash DC
Chicago Tulips
Chicago Spring



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If you enjoyed this post, you might also enjoy (travel)...

Las Vegas Night
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I am linking up to these parties:
Poinsettiadr: Classy Flamingos 95 Tue (l Entry 8x)
Mersad photography: Through my Lens (Entry 25)
Our World Tues: Our World (Entry 72r)
Image-in-ing: Weekly link up (Entry 62)
Sharon Wagner: Sharon's Souveniers (Entry 6r)
Nicholasjv: Travel Tuesday (Entry 10)

Across the Blvd: Beautifully Made Tue 8a (Entry na)
My world Thru My Lens: My Corner Wed (Entry 31)
Peabea: Pictorial Tuesday (Entry 11)
Jesh studio: All Seasons Tues (Entry 24)
Thistlekeylane: Tuesday Turn About (s Entry 1)
Also My Wee Abode: Tuesday Turn About (s Entry 1)
My Random: Anything Goes 239 (s Entry 42)
Lindas lunacy: Making-a-home Tue 166 (m Entry 20)
LeCultivateur: Wonderful Wed (m Entry closed)
Stonecottageadventures: Tuesday with a twist 370 (l Entry 31)
Lets Add Sprinkles: Keep in Touch Tue 4p (m Entry ??)
Gingersnap crafts:Wow me 456 Tue 7p (Entry 11x)
Girlish Whims: Whims 461 Tues 8:50p (Entry 5)
Applestreetcottage: Party-in-your-pjs (Entry 14)
Flusterbuster: Creative Muster 386 Wed (l Entry x of x)
Chas crazy creations: To grandmas house 194 Wed 4p (m Entry 67)
French Ethereal: Share Your Style 258 Wed 6p (Entry 18)                             I was featured here!
Imparting grace: Grace at home 381 (Entry 10)
Artsy mama: Artsy party 294 Th 7a (Entry 22 of 70)
My Slices of Life: Hearts+Home Handmade Th 6a (Entry x of x)
Pieced Pastimes.gr: Saturday Sparks 377 Th 8a (L Entry 18)
Eclectic Red Barn: Thurs Favorite Things Th 7a (Entry 32)
Also KatherinesCorner: Th 7a (Entry 32)
Also Follow the yellow brick: Th 7a (Entry 32)

Life beyond Kitchen: Creatively Crafty 225 Th 4p (Entry 80)
Kathleen: Bloggers Pit Stop 223 Th 8p (L Entry 7 of 89)
Coastal Bohemian: Funtastic Thur 8p (i Entry 2 of 102)
The Painted Hinge: Embrace your Style 156 (L Entry 11)
Petals pies + otherwise: Handmade Weekly Fri (s Entry 1 of 76)
Firemanswife: Fri at the fire station 168 (m Entry 12)
Ohmyheartsiegirl: Friday Feature Party 208 (s Entry 136 of 151)
Cottagemarket: A morning cup of joe (L Entry 23 of 69)
Shabby art boutique: Create-bake-grow-gather 421 (L Entry x of x)
Busy Being Jennifer: Fri Favorites 82 (m Entry 46)
Our mini family: Our mini party 280 (s Entry x)
Funkyjunkinteriors: DIY Salvaged Fri (Entry na)
** Eye Love Knots: Snicker Doodle 337 Sat 5pm (m Entry 99)
Pams Party: Dare to share 419 fri 11p (m Entry 1)
Weekend Reflection: reflections (Entry 5)
Creative Mom: Craft Schooling Sunday (s Entry x?)
Finding Silver pennies: Silver Pennies 361 Sun 6a (m Entry 91)
Life and Linda: Love your Creativity Sun 3p (l Entry 64)
3 little buttons: Dream Team Linky 206 Sun 6am (Entry 15)
April Harris: Hearth and Soul Sun 10p (Entry 28)

Faeries and Fauna: Waste not Wed 198 (l Entry x)
Create with Joy: Inspire me Mon 437 (m Entry 77)
My Random: Anything Goes 240 (Entry 11)
Good Random Fun: Good Random Fun Mon 4a (m Entry 43)
BNOTP: Metamorphis Monday 6a (s Entry x)
Uncommon Slice: Inspire Me Mon 2-4p (m Entry 42)
* Stroll Life: Inspire Me Mon 550 3p (l Entry 4 of 33)
Maria Elena: Tue at Our Home 362 Mon 12p? (l Entry 13)
Loulougirls: Fabulous-party 322 Mon 7p (l Entry 39)
Anitaojeda: Inspire Me Mon 4p (s Entry 34)

Paris    Emily Tour

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Tuesday, April 28, 2020

Is your home your castle?

"Your home is your castle" is a common American phrase.  Making your house (or castle, or apartment) a comfortable home is more important when you spend more time there, as in the current Coronavirus pandemic.


Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany
Image 1: The socially isolated Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany

I'm know I'm not the only person re-configuring parts of the house to accommodate newly present students, spouses, or family. It's interesting how the traffic patterns and "cozy spots" for each occupant are being created near the all important Ethernet and strong WiFi locations, TV's and PC'S (of course). I know where the students are - just follow the Ethernet cables tripping the dog.


Tegelbergbahn Cable Car in Germany
Image 2: Cable car near Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany

Everyone's socially isolated coronavirus experience is different, so I'll give you a "view" of my life. Notably, so far nobody leaves the house for work or school. (Hopefully that will change soon?)


Mountain Top View at Top of Tegelbergbahn Cable Car in Germany
Image 3: View at top of the Tegelbergbahn Cable Car in Germany

My days flow by without any of the structure that used to be built into a typical week.  Easter seems forever ago and yet it was only two Sundays ago.  Yet I can barely remember what I did during that time.  One exception: with 3 twenty-somethings in the house, a LOT of food has been made and eaten, at all different times, from 8am to midnight.  Frequently, I am the clean-up crew.
(One day I ran the full dishwasher 3 times - 1st world problem, I know, but still...)
Takeaway - I want to eat out again!


Mountain Top restaurant in Germany
Image 4: Mountain Top restaurant in Germany

Our family celebrated two of my 20-something's birthdays and Easter within one week.  A 21st birthday in the family house with a Zoom meeting of friends was not a college junior's fantasy birthday, but we tried to make it fun. 
[I had a different tablescape for each special meal - I think I will try to show tablescapes someday, since I collect china].


Tegelbergbahn Cable Car Germany
Image 5: Tegelbergbahn Cable Car - Germany

I run most trips for food, pharmacy, plumbing supplies, exercise and sanity, in my own little self contained bubble - my car.  My suburb in Wisconsin, USA, has no public transportation - everyone uses cars.  We don't have buses, trains, trams, subways (or cable cars) around here.


Map of Area near Neuschwanstein Castle and Tegelbergbahn Cable Car
Image 6: Map of Area near Neuschwanstein Castle and Tegelbergbahn Cable Car

I read a lot, assemble puzzles, cook more creatively (because all these people want to eat all the time), and everyday I follow the news (something I never used to do). My attention span seems shorter. At night I have crazy dreams - definitely Coronavirus related. I'd like a map of the future, or failing that, I'd at least like to get out and explore. (Hopefully soon.)


Tegelbergbahn Cable Car Germany
Image 7: Tegelbergbahn Cable Car in Germany

Our Coronavirus isolation feels both safe and precarious at the same time, and it appears we still have a long way to go.  We don't know what the  future will be like.  And yet I know neighbors are working in hospitals, grocery stores, and more, and each are facing individual struggles unique to their circumstances inside their isolated mini "castles". 


Mountain Top View from Top of Tegelbergbahn Cable Car in Germany
Image 8: Another view from Top of Tegelbergbahn Cable Car

It's unlikely I'll be traveling this summer, but I have been reviewing photos from previous vacations I was able to take with two of my children in 2018 and 2019.  I'm grateful we took the opportunities when we had the chance. 


Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany
Image 9: Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany View 2

With the current Coronavirus isolation, my hope is that your house feels like a castle (and NOT a dungeon!)



Once again, stay sane and healthy, 
and do what you can for others!  
Pray and support those 
affected by Coronavirus and in essential jobs.
Also, pray for the economy - 
we need to pay for our castles...

Tegelbergbahn Cable Car Germany
Image 10: Hang in there!

Hang in there!



All the photos are ones I took during a 2018 trip to German's Neuschwanstein castle area.  

The Neuschwanstein Castle photos were taken from the Tegelbergbahn cable car.  There is a brief time when the castle is in view, and to photograph the castle I had my kids lift me up about 2 feet so my camera could shoot through a tiny window in the plastic. But the view was worth it. You will notice the two landscape shots are different (Image 1 and Image 9) - look at the lake area in relation to the castle. The cable car was moving and the view changed quickly. From the top you can't see the castle at all - it disappears behind the huge stone outcropping in the left of the castle pictures. Harsh midday sun is rarely the best lighting for a photograph, but the mountain air delivered a nice results anyway, and I really liked the cables shining in the sun.  


On another note, talk about social isolation - Neuschwanstein Castle really has it!  We can be grateful that we know more about what causes and spreads the epidemics that have plagued Europe and the world throughout history, and we have much better medical care for those who get diseases.  Our ancestors didn't have such luxuries...


My daughter shared this inspirational music video reminding me why we need to stay isolated, so I am sharing it with you. 

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If you enjoyed this post, you might also enjoy...

Japan Memories
Canada Autumn
Italian Garden
NYC Christmas
Paris Museum
Yellowstone
Canada Lake
Chicago Xmas
Gr Canyon View
NYC Windows


El Capitan
Paris Reflections
Wash DC
Las Vegas Night






Nankoweap Granaries
Gr Canyon Ruins

Running Rapids



_________________________________________________________________________________________________


I am linking up to these parties:

April Harris: Hearth and Soul Sun 10p (Entry 13 of 176.)             I was featured!

Loopyloulaura: Global-blogging (Entry 8 of 12.)
Mersad photography: Through my Lens (Entry 27 of 28.)
Our World Tues: Our World (Entry 57r of 67.)
Image-in-ing: Weekly link up (Entry 57 of 82.)

Sharon Wagner: Sharon's Souveniers (Entry 6 of 7.)
Nicholasjv: Travel Tuesday 233 (Entry 8 of 13.)

My world Thru Lens: My Corner Wed (Entry 22r of 67r.) 
Peabea: Pictorial Tuesday (Entry 6 of 10.)
Jesh studio: All Seasons Tues (Entry 31 of 31.)
Thistlekeylane: Tuesday Turn About 46 5p (s Entry 16 of 161.)
Also My Wee Abode: Tuesday Turn About (s Entry 16 of 161.)
My Random: Anything Goes 235 (s Entry 49 of 60.)

Poinsettiadr: Classy Flamingos 95 Tue (l Entry 8x of 36x.)
Lindas lunacy: Making-a-home Tue 162 (m Entry 27 of 48.)
LeCultivateur: Wonderful Wed (m Entry 26r of 199r.)
Stonecottageadventures: Tuesday with a twist 366 (l Entry 37 of 47.)
Lets Add Sprinkles: Keep in Touch Tue 4p (m Entry 18 of 58.)
Gingersnap crafts:Wow me Tue 452 7p (Entry 11x of 109x.)
Girlish Whims: Whims Tues 457 8:20p (Entry 4 of 98.)
Applestreetcottage: Party-in-your-pjs (Entry 5 of 126.)

Skyley: Skywatch Friday (Entry 4 of 71.)
Flusterbuster: Creative Muster 381 Tue (l Entry 51x of 137x.)
Chas creations: g-mas house 190 Wed 6a 4p (m Entry 69 of 99.)
French Ethereal: Share Your Style 254 Wed 6p (Entry 1 of 48.)
Imparting grace: Grace at home (Entry 20 of 111.)
Artsy mama: Artsy party 290 Th 7a (Entry 5 of 68.)

My Slices of Life: Hearts+Home Th 6a (Entry 58x of 111x.)
Pieced Pastimes.gr: Saturday Sparks 373 Th 8a (L Entry 68 of 106.)
Eclectic Red Barn: Thurs Favorite Things Th 7a (54 of 194.)
Also KatherinesCorner: Th 7a (54 of 194.)
Also Follow the yellow brick: Th 7a (Entry 54 of 194.)

Lindsays Sweetworld*: Welcome Wed (m Entry 29 of 29.)
Life beyond Kitchen: Creatively Crafty 221 Th 4p (Entry 40 of 104.)
Kathleen: Bloggers Pit Stop 219 Th 8p (L Entry 3 of 105.)
Coastal Bohemian: Funtastic Fri 278 Th 8p (i Entry 1 of 117.)
Mix and Match Mama: Whats-up Wed (Entry stories)
The Painted Hinge: Farmhouse Fri 152 (L Entry 1 of 25)
Petals pies+: Handmade Weekly 47 Fri (s Entry 45 of 85)
Firemanswife: Fri at the fire station 47 (m Entry 39 of 58)
Ohmyheartsiegirl: Friday Feature Party (s Entry 132)
Cottagemarket: A morning cup of joe (L Entry 64 of 83)
Shabby art boutique: Create-bake 417 (L Entry x)
Busy Being Jennifer: Fri Favorites 78 (m Entry 10 of 80.)
Our mini family: Our mini party 276 (s Entry x)
For the Love: A Little bit of everything Wed (h Entry x)
** Eye Love Knots: Snicker Doodle 333 Sat 5pm (m 102 of 136)
Pams Party: Dare to share (m Entry 35)
Lindsays Sweet World: Wonderful Wed (Entry 29)
Creative Mom: Craft Schooling Sunday (s Entry x?)
Finding Silver: Silver Pennies Sun 357 6a (m Entry 72)
Life+Linda: Dishing-Digging it 43 Sun 3p (l Entry 60 of 111)
3 little buttons: Dream Team Linky Sun 6am (Entry )
April Harris: Hearth and Soul Sun 10p (Entry 13 of 176.)             I was featured!

Faeries and Fauna: Waste not Wed 198 (l Entry x) 
Create with Joy: Inspire me Mon 433 (m Entry 134)
My Random: Anything Goes (Entry 36)
Good Random Fun: Good Random Mon 4a (m Entry 36 of 50.)
BNOTP: Metamorphis Monday 6a (s Entry 43x)
Uncommon Slice: Inspire Me Mon 2-4p (m Entry 76 of 90.)
* Stroll Life: Inspire Me Mon 3p (l Entry 91 of 120.)
Maria Elena: Tue at Our Home Mon 12p? (l Entry )
Loulougirls: Fabulous-party Mon 7p (l Entry )
Anitaojeda: Inspire Me Mon 4p (s Entry )
 
Magical mystical teacher: Blue Monday (Entry 11 of 11.)
Booksandmore: Picture Perfect Party Linky (Entry 18 of 21.)

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 Found this post: Montenegro cable car