Our first day in Paris, we, as any good tourist would do, walked a few blocks from our apartment to go see the Eiffel Tower. While I was amazed when I caught my first glimpse of the Tower, I was even more amazed when we made it to the park and found hundreds of colorful life-sized bears lining the lawn. They were magnificent (this word will probably be used quite frequently in all posts describing Paris). All different colors. Different pictures and designs. Incredible. There was one bear for every nation in the world! They are called United Buddy Bears, and symbolize "peace, international understanding and tolerance among nations, cultures and religions of the world." How cool is that?
I have to say, I think my favorite bear is the New Zealand bear with the Maori face (photo 1, far right) though the Moldova bear really made me laugh. I mean, really, who knows where Moldova is?!
Which one is your favorite?
These were in St Petersburg when we were there - they are all kinds of silly but I love them anyway! The Moldova bear is hilarious. And patriotically, I loved the classic-tacky-Ken Done Australia bear... even if it did make me roll my eyes a bit.
ReplyDeleteLove the black bear with the lady liberty bear...oops, that's Em ! Moldova obviously doesn't take itself to seriously. And the Columbian bear with the flip flops...gotta love it! M
ReplyDelete:)
DeleteI thought sure that I was looking at the Greatful Dead Dancing Bears.
ReplyDeletelife sized!!!
DeleteI know where Moldova is, because I've been there! It's really not that obscure of a country, is it?
ReplyDeletei must admit that before i saw that bear, I most certainly would not have been able to point out Moldova on a map!!
Deletewow very cool! so lucky to be in Paris! I envy you! I think my favorite one is the one with the big sun face, Mexico it looks like? have an amazing time!
ReplyDeleteParis was awesome!! I hope life in Thailand is still going well!!
DeleteI've run into the Buddy Bears twice while traveling... it's always so exciting! (Finland & Malaysia)
ReplyDeleteAnd I had a penpal from Moldova in middle school!