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Post by kerouac2 on May 2, 2023 18:35:09 GMT
The Foire de Paris, the Paris trade fair, started in 1904, but of course trade fairs go back to the Middle Ages, so who knows how old it really is? I'm sure that plenty of them took place in Paris before 1904, but the current official structure dates from then. The idea for this one dates from the 1900 World's Fair. These things were already trade fair back then, so this was a way to make it perennial. It is overwhelming, so I go there only about once every 5 years. Back when I first arrived in Paris, access was free for anyone with a foreign passport. Those days are long gone. I avoided the weekend and May Day, knowing the place would be jam packed. Would I be luckier today?
Okay, I decided to begin in building 2, which was the closest. It didn't matter since I would be visiting them all.
You never know what you'll encounter. At least I never know. It was still empty at opening time, which at first I thought was great.
The Saudi stand was the biggest, so much so that they didn't put it with the other foreign stuff. The front section is the stage for dancing Saudi men with sabers.
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Post by kerouac2 on May 2, 2023 18:40:50 GMT
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Post by kerouac2 on May 2, 2023 18:55:06 GMT
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Post by whatagain on May 2, 2023 19:23:29 GMT
Une poutine, et avec ça une liqueur...
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Post by kerouac2 on May 2, 2023 19:27:14 GMT
The price of the poutine seems outrageous to me, but I assume that it is a meal-sized portion.
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Post by kerouac2 on May 2, 2023 19:51:33 GMT
These pens magically remove any scratches from your car. This device replaces absolutely every kitchen appliances. This obviously revolutionary device will seal any bag. I'm not sure what was great about these pan but there were obviously indispensable. Out of the food zone, all of a sudden there are mats that prevent any filth from ever entering your home. But how often do you have to clean the mats? Perhaps you prefer towels made out of bamboo. Major brands were also present. These were steam cleaners that seemed to require personal interviews. Did you think that Laguiole made only fancy knives? You can get just about anything here, but I think Renault was only selling 100% electric cars. Time for follow the yellow brick road to a new destination...
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Post by kerouac2 on May 2, 2023 20:26:01 GMT
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Post by mickthecactus on May 2, 2023 20:42:14 GMT
It’s just like our Ideal Home show although I’m not sure if it’s still going.
I’d love to be there.
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Post by fumobici on May 2, 2023 21:37:31 GMT
Yep, loos like fun. Bit surprised to see the Lardo di Colonnata, I'd have snagged a couple of etti.
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Post by kerouac2 on May 3, 2023 4:17:11 GMT
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Post by mickthecactus on May 3, 2023 8:02:43 GMT
What’s in a creole lunch?
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Post by bjd on May 3, 2023 9:03:06 GMT
It looks as though some areas are saving money. They didn't bother putting broadloom on the whole floor in the French Creation village at the beginning. Good idea actually because it all ends up filthy and in landfill.
And Laguiole knives are Chinese now. The brand was bought by the Chinese at least 15 or 20 years ago so those made in the French town of Laguiole are no longer allowed to use the name.
I'm a party pooper, I know.
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Post by kerouac2 on May 3, 2023 10:49:23 GMT
And Laguiole knives are Chinese now. The brand was bought by the Chinese at least 15 or 20 years ago so those made in the French town of Laguiole are no longer allowed to use the name. Actually, that is not the case. It's just that the name 'Laguiole' does not have trademark protection, if one can believe the Wikipedia article.
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Post by bjd on May 3, 2023 10:53:24 GMT
Ah, thanks. I had been told the Chinese info by a woman from the area who was very upset about it. There is also Laguiole cheese, by the way.
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Post by kerouac2 on May 3, 2023 10:54:15 GMT
What’s in a creole lunch? The fried balls a accras, a kind of spicy fritter. I see some prawns, black beans and rice, and also creole boudin (black pudding). There is also clearly stewed chicken or beef. I don't know what the stuff that looks like mashed potatoes is.
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Post by kerouac2 on May 3, 2023 11:03:45 GMT
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Post by kerouac2 on May 3, 2023 15:46:29 GMT
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Post by kerouac2 on May 3, 2023 16:40:31 GMT
In the meantime....
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Post by kerouac2 on May 3, 2023 18:03:18 GMT
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Post by kerouac2 on May 4, 2023 5:16:56 GMT
It was time to get outside again after this avalanche of consumerism. Of course, outdoor types are invited to consume as well with all of these plants for sale. I still had one more building to visit. Luckily another building is taken over for six months by Harry Potter, or they would have filled it as well. But the last building is really massive.
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Post by htmb on May 4, 2023 9:00:18 GMT
Interesting report, but the photo of the Saudi guys is my absolute favorite.
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Post by mickthecactus on May 4, 2023 10:07:16 GMT
So who can exhibit? Is it countries or individual companies? Do they all have to have French connections?
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Post by kerouac2 on May 4, 2023 10:23:22 GMT
I'm sure that any commercial operation can sign up to participate. I have no idea how much it costs.
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Post by kerouac2 on May 4, 2023 13:01:13 GMT
The first part of the last building was of no interest (to me). People who need such items would have a totally different opinion. gigantic outdoor units for barbecues or full outdoor kitchens People in houses with small gardens always seem to drool over compact swimming pools. And then the usual stands selling god knows what, in this case snail spit. Toilet seats requiring no screws! There are acctually people even worse than me. Incredible! But the real point of this building is the "concours Lepine" -- the inventors' contest. Most of the displays here are by indidividuals. This little white box is for the beach and contains storage for clothing and toys, a safe for valuables, a cooler and a parasol stand. How about a reusable inflatable box for mailing things? Ultra-miniature campers with at least 50 different features will always find a public. Some of them can even be attached to two wheeled vehicles. And of course you'll want to set up your toilet and shower in the middle of nowhere while maintaining your privacy.
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Post by kerouac2 on May 4, 2023 17:29:39 GMT
Your colouring book is transformed into a cartoon. An electric powered wheel will transform any bicycle into an electric one. There were all sorts of devices to improve bicycles. And solar panels can improve just about anything. One that looked good was a bike shelter that charges your e-bike when you park it there. You can furnish your entire house with things made out of hay. I don't have the slightest idea what this stuff is supposed to do. This invention was suction cups to keep your deodourizing blocks in place so they won't slip and the children won't play with them. WTF? Some sort of device to lace your shoes when you can't do it yourself. Once again, WTF?
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Post by onlyMark on May 4, 2023 18:48:46 GMT
An electric powered wheel will transform any bicycle into an electric one. I wonder what is different about that one compared to all those on the market now. I converted my bike using a kit to an electric one a couple of years ago.
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Post by kerouac2 on May 4, 2023 18:51:24 GMT
I wouldn't know, but they all have explanations about why what they did it better. "Takes only 5 minutes to install" "your bike fully charged in 10 minutes" or other preposterous claims.
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Post by kerouac2 on May 5, 2023 15:21:03 GMT
This guy must have come up something to rejuvenate woodwind insruments, but I don't know what. another mystery that will never be solved Wheelchairs will always be in need of improvements and the clientele is growing. I saw that these showerheads use something like 70% less water. I hope you are not 70% less clean. This is a frame to put around the opening of your rubbish bag so that your rubbish doesn't miss the bag. Sure. This is a wood planing device better than all other wood planing devices. Here is an all-purpose peeler that seems to destroy anything you want to peel. Maybe the guy was just nervous. Instead of throwing away or taking your coffee capsules to recycle, you can reuse them. This guy had a big crowd because everybody has problems putting a cover on a duvet. Problem solved?
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Post by kerouac2 on May 6, 2023 3:43:37 GMT
Clutching at straws now. Here is a device to clean out ear wax. This will attach your mobile phone or tablet to anything because of course that's what you want to do. I've had enough. Time to search for an escape route. Maybe I could use this spaceship. Apparently they fill with water. They have serious areas for negotiations to convince people to shell out a fortune. But finally I am out of the Parc des Expositions de la Porte de Versailles. Whew!
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Post by kerouac2 on May 8, 2023 5:11:24 GMT
The winner of the Concours Lepine for best invention in 2023 was a new type of brake for wheelchairs. Not necessarily revolutionay but winners over the years include the ball point pen and the steam iron.
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