Parts of 19th-century zinc weathervanes, along with an 18th-century wooden religious retablo, a copper figure on horseback and a 20th-century architectural model of a spiral staircase at the Chinez toutes les Tendances stand at the Antiquities Brocante at Place de la Bastille. The event continues daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. through May 18th. Tickets are available at the door. Check back Sunday for more brocante photos.
Be aware the "rakkai" or pickpockets are out in full force on the Paris metro, particularly on Lines 1, 8 and 9. Today I was returning from Bastille, carrying an antique sculptor's model. Two guys tried to grab my handbag, but I'd spotted them already and was prepared. I threatened to hit them with the pot. They grinned and said in French, something to the effect, "You'll break it!" I replied, "Et votre tete aussi (And your head too)." They laughed, but jumped off the train as the doors were closing.
Antique original sculptor's model for a piece ultimately made in silver. I found it at the inimitable Sophie Pretelat's Anges et Demons at Bastille. Thankfully, I didn't have to use it as a weapon against pickpockets on the train!
I love that spunk! LOL I'm engrossed in Ascent from Darkness by Steven Wilson so I've been lax on my comments. ;) Have you read this?
XXOO
Posted by: Tammy | 13 May 2008 at 20:48
What an unusual and effective weapon of intimidation!
Posted by: runliarun | 12 May 2008 at 22:43
I'm glad you didn't have to use your lovely find to hit someone over the head with...they just didn't have a clue who they were picking on!
Lovely lovely photos and an adventure story all in one!
Posted by: tangobaby | 12 May 2008 at 21:41
Tara,
Little did they know who they were up against! I love that you were able to keep your wits and possessions about you. Remarkable. I wonder if they told the story to as many people as you did? I would think if they did it would be with some begrudging admiration for your courage.
Ah, it's good to be back in the land of blog once again.
Lisa & Alfie
Posted by: Lisa & Alfie at The Pickled Hutch | 12 May 2008 at 07:55
Thank goodness you didn't have to waste your precious find clunking heads.
Glad you showed them!!!
xox
Posted by: Gillian | 12 May 2008 at 04:11
Happy Mother's Day international lady of Mystery!
Posted by: Yoli | 11 May 2008 at 14:42
Tara you are a brave woman. I love it, very sharp reply which even deserves the respect of a pickpocketer. Beautiful pictures as usual
Posted by: marja | 11 May 2008 at 09:32
I'm glad you didn't have to break it over anyone's head. It's lovely.
Posted by: Laume | 11 May 2008 at 06:38
You've got moxie my dear friend! Glad your purse and sculptor's model survived. xo, deb
p.s. I started up a new blog - address is similar to the old one with a little twist - www.janepoet.blogspot.com
Posted by: JanePoe (aka Deborah) | 11 May 2008 at 06:35
What an encounter! Quick thinking on your part, glad they jumped off the train and left you with your purse AND your model..
Posted by: stephanie | 11 May 2008 at 00:50
Oh my Gosh! That is just so scary, I mean about the nasty pick pockets, something similar happened to me in Rome, only is was 4 teenage girls!
The urn is Magnificent!
Sandra Evertson
P.S.
Take Care!
Posted by: Sandra | 10 May 2008 at 23:33
Beautiful model. It looks like it might be a bit cumbersome to carry. I'm glad you didn't have to use it in self-defense. Be careful out there.
Posted by: martina | 10 May 2008 at 23:26
Wow, that's a little scary. You really know how to think on your feet. Very brave!
Posted by: Wonders Never Cease | 10 May 2008 at 20:28
I can't believe it !
I wish I could be in Paris ( not for pickpockets) to go to Bastille.
I love the piece you bought !
I like your answer to your pickpockets ! You are fantastic
Posted by: le petit cabinet de curiosites | 10 May 2008 at 17:46