An Ode to Paris
Dear Paris,
La ville lumière. Many years ago, I had the great fortune to discover you, my mother's hometown, and it was an immediate coup de foudre. The smell of warm fresh bread wafting in the air, the narrow and sometimes cobble stone streets filled with people of all cultures joyously walking from one arrondissement to another in search of nooks and crannies that could be claimed as their own. A true joie de vivre surrounded you, which immediately made me smile.
I, thankfully, have accumulated many memories of my own:
- Enjoying a chocolat chaud at Les Deux Magots.
- Picking up a copy of my favorite novel by Hemingway, A Moveable Feast, at Shakespeare & Company.
- Checking out the latest art exhibit at the Musée d’Orsay.
- Basking in the sun with friends on les Quais de la Seine.
- Visiting the picturesque Place des Vosges with my mother.
- Indulging in one of the best slices of paté with a glass of red wine at La Brasserie de L'Isle St. Louis with my father on a walking tour.
- Finding peace and solace inside of Notre Dame.
- Lastly, relishing in moments of happiness with mes amis – from having tea at la Grande Mosquée de Paris, creating an impromptu photo shoot at the Eiffel Tower, having une bonne biere at La Flèche D'Or to eating macarons on the Pont des Arts.
Though on November 13, you were horrifically robbed of your light and laughter. As I was glued to the news and reaching out to friends and family in hopes they were safe, memories of 9/11 flooded my mind. I was utterly shocked by the destruction and extremely saddened by the loss of innocent lives. But knowing your strength, determination and solidarity, I truly believe that you and the entire country, will persevere and come out even stronger. A très bientôt.
Paris, je t'aime.
