Archive for July, 2010

To Paris with Love

July 21, 2010

tower
Dear Paris,

I am writing this letter upon my return of meeting you. Before I made the journey, I had heard much about about how truly wonderful you are. I had seen pictures, read stories, and listened to others allege their love affair with you. So much so that I felt a lovely familiarity with each experience I shared with you during my short one week visit. You did indeed look as I expected you to…charming cafes on every street corner, old buildings laced with rod iron railings and flower filled window boxes, and of course, loads of epicurean delights and smells strewn about each street.

I am surprised by how imprinted I became by the details that made you so special to me.

The way you served your food at tables facing the street to make it easy for a view of the passerby and the wonderful street activity you possess. So few places I have been where I feel I have license to stare at people. I usually feel that I need to be more discreet in my viewing hobbies, but not with you. Each meal felt fancy because of the extras presented along the way. A bowl of olives, bread on a board, charcuterie as a meal, ice cream served in a cold pewter dish…so thoughtful and simple.

I too was surprised by all of the music wafting through the city, from the group of burly Hungarian singers belting out a tune in the subway, to the street performers who so confidently delivered intricate street dances, and alas, the little old man in the old tattered wool sweater strolling through the train playing the stereotypical french tune on his accordian. Music is now part of who you are in my heart.

My adventures were many. Riding a bicycle in Versailles, visiting Marie Antionette’s homage, and of course, the Lourve and Musee d’Orsay. An interesting trip to the Flea Market and dining at Ciel de Paris to watch the city night fall and the lighting of the Eiffel Tower were also some of my favorite moments.

I visited you to celebrate my 40th birthday. I couldn’t remember a time in the recent past where I felt so wonderfully young and alive. Thank you for being such a wonderful host. Until we meet again…..

Love, Love,

Buttercup

pariscollage