May 13 - Pictures from Paris

Sightseeing is such an interesting concept for someone who has a vision challenge. After all, both “sight” and “seeing” imply that the person who is doing the sightseeing is actually able to see. So, whenever Lyle and I are engaged in tourist type activities it is nice when I come across instances where other senses are involved. That is the point of these next two pictures from Paris.

The first picture shows me in the Rodin Museum. At the museum, I was given a pair of white gloves so that I could touch four of the sculptures. In the photo, I am standing with my white-gloved hand resting beside the sculptured head of Victor Hugo. Although I am unable to see detail, it was great to be able to feel the finer points of this piece of art.

Sue with Victor

In the second picture I have my hands on a mound of padlocks attached to one of the bridges over the Seine River. Some years ago, a young couple cemented their love for each other by locking it onto the railing of one of the bridges over the Seine. Since then many other couples have also shown the unity of their feelings by attaching a padlock. Nowadays this symbolic gesture has turned into much of a tourist trade and attraction. Hawkers near the bridge sell small padlocks to curious tourists and the number of locks has further increased to encompass several bridges. On our last day in Paris we took a tour boat cruise down the river and as we passed under the bridges, the little golden padlocks glinted in the sunshine.

 

Sue on the padlock bridge

I always appreciate these tactile “sightseeing” opportunities.