Montmartre - November 26, 08

The steep butte (hill) of Monmartre has been associated with artists for 200 years. Theodore Gericault and Camille Corot came here at the start of the 19th century, and in the 20th century Maurice Utrillo immortalized the streets in his works. Today street painters thrive on a lively tourist trade, as travelers flock to this picturesque district, which in places still preserves the atmosphere of prewar Paris. The name of the area is ascribed to local martyrs tortured in Paris around AD 250, hence mons martyrium.

Place du Tertre. This square is the tourist center of Monmartre and is full of portraitists. While walking towards it, I was stopped by an artist who drew my picture with chalk. I was then asked to purchase it for 20 euros. Being the meanie I am, I told him I didn't have any euros but would give him all my euro change which was around 3 euros. He could either take it or leave it but at least he wouldn't have drawn my picture for nothing. He smiled at me and said sure, but hid me paying him in change so others wouldn't notice. My picture looks anime, it's pretty funny. I will scan it soon and post it for you all to see.

I also had an artist cut out my siloutte but didn't have any change left, and I definetly wasn't willing to pay 25 euros for something that took the guy 3 minutes to do. It looked great though!

Standing in front of the artist square. I am such a tourist! I would ask someone to take my picture, and then I would take their picture.