I have never seen L’Etoile so empty of traffic. I have never been able to photograph the Arc de Triomphe without a car in the frame. The Je Suis Charlie solidarity march was forming in another part of Paris; Republique. Tension still on people’s faces. I hope that something positive will come of these murders. It is an opportunity; a powerful moment. Let us hope the world will take advantage of it.
The tower of the sacre coeur remained closed today; guarded by the army. tensions have not abated in Paris.
Today, the first chapter of “Charlie Hedbo” is finished. There is more to come. Life is many parts of Paris continued as if nothing had occurred; in other places there were hostages. In the streets there was non-the-less a certain tension. Anytime I was near someone with a gun, I could not walk fast enough.
While it was Lord Nelson who is credited with the words: ” Keep calm and carry on”. It is the French people today after the events of yesterday.
In the light of these events it is hard to stay excited about the volvo ocean race, the america’s cup, or the bcn. Lord knows sailing has been my mistress for half a century now, but the world seems so overwhelming some days.
As many of you may be aware that 12 people were killed today in Paris at the offices of “Charles Hedbo”, a satirical magazine that had been poking fun at the Muslim religion.
I have had inquiries from many asking if we are safe and the answer is yes. I was in a museum not far from the event; heard lots of police sirens and thought nothing of it; that is, until the director of the museum came to me and asked if I was aware of the events that had taken place. The response was swift. Police and Gendarmes on every corner and any place people congregated.
I will note that through the christmas holiday Paris was on a heightened alert. Armed police and army everywhere. Unfortunately, today was the day.
This is footage from the 2011 race. Already so long ago. The Transatlantic race this summer from Newport RI to the Lizard in England. There will be 3 starts beginning in June, the last start in July for boats like “Comanche” and “Rambler”. I intend to sail with many old shipmates once again on “Snow Lion” belonging to Larry Huntington.
transatlantic race 2011 from ws lirakis on Vimeo.
I set out today looking for the building in the final photographs. I had seen it some years ago, but could not remember where. Not only did I find it, but near another wonderful place: “le train bleu”
If there is a common theme here, it seems to be a mouthful.
I have seen so many wonderful things in recent weeks. Each time I think it would not be possible to see something more beautiful and each time I am wrong.
After a week in Holland seeing some of the best of the Dutch Masters I believed I had seen the best the Art world had to offer and then today “Le Perugin” at the Jacquemart Andre.
Photographs were not allowed in the exhibit much to my regret.
The last two photos are about howFOOD IS SERVED AT THE MUSEUM. There is a furious battle in Newport. The Preservation Society Of Newport County would like to build a Visitor’s Center; on the grounds of the Breakers; and serve food. The food would be sandwiches in saran wrap and soda in a can or coffee in a styrofoam cup.
This has been a divisive battle in the small town of Newport. Having visited many many museums in the United States and in the rest of the world; none have the small vision that the Preservation Society has exhibited; against it’s very mission statement no less. I am dismayed at the small mindedness of the administration in this matter. I am saddened by these events.
