I love how being in a different city automatically breaks your pattern. Everything becomes extra-ordinary and somehow you are more open to adventures and more sensitive to the little things around you. ‘Bad weather’ suddenly means strolling around in rainy Paris by night and shielding in warm cozy little cafés and jam-packed restaurants to drink good cappuccino and red wine. It means doing things you have never done before, like going to the opera.
And then at the opera you realize that a cheap ticket ‘blind spot’ literally means a blind spot: you can not see the stage from your spot. After half an hour you notice the opera is in German because you recognize one word. That in combination with seeing one third of the French translation and every now and then a singer who happens to be at the very right part of the stage for a short amount of time, gives you some clues about what the story must be about. After leaving you still don’t quite understand, but you don’t really care about all of this, because you were leaning over your boyfriend to see things better which was kind of sweet in a way. And you talked with friendly old French ladies who told you the ceiling was painted by Chagall. You walked around the amazing Palais Garnier and felt slightly special by just being there. So none of it really mattered because everything was just good.
Maybe we should start to see our everyday life a bit more like a holiday every now and then. Realize the magic that is in our actions and how we choose to look at things. Enjoy the small moments and accept the negatives in our lives as opportunities to create moments of happiness and warmth. You don’t have to be in Paris to do that.
(This was my final Paris post for now, here are Paris I: Futuro Textile and Paris II: Centre Pompidou)
This is so very true. When I went to Southern California for a trip, I was noticing all the "city" things about Los Angeles (like homeless people, tall buildings, graffiti, etc.) and kept thinking about how much more of a typical city it was than my own city. But when I got home and went downtown for school, I started seeing all of those same things that I had once not even noticed. Our 2 cities really aren't all that different after all. I mean, obviously Paris is much more beautiful than L.A. haha! but I totally know what you mean : ]
ReplyDeleteI also think it's so cool that you can visit Paris as simply as I can visit L.A.! I mean, I know lots of people in other countries would like to visit the US, but really, it's not nearly as beautiful or wonderous as Europe. You're a lucky lady! And I'm glad you had such a great time after graduating--well deserved!
I completely understand what you say. And in the same way Paris is way better than my own city, but that doesn't mean that your own city can't be interesting. What I like about Europe is that is has such a rich cultural heritage. But some day I like to visit LA as well; I also still want to visit NY :)
DeleteWe love these photos you've taken and this post about Paris. We will have to follow you so we can read more about your story and vacations. Paris seems like a lovely place to visit despite all of the rainy weather and crowded coffee shops. There's just something about travel and being somewhere new that adds that bit of needed adventured and 'new'ness. :) Xo, M&K at BT
ReplyDeleteThat's great! I have been once in Paris during summer, and it is a completely different city. Sun shines, people outside on little terraces, venters everywhere. Just talking about it makes me want to go again haha
DeleteWhat stunning photos - and I felt happy just thinking of the faces of the people in your appartment block. What a wonderful valentine thought.
ReplyDeletethank you for stopping by my blog x
Thank you, and thanks for doing the same :)
Deleteah, Paris! i wish i could write a blog post like this documenting my day in Paris. still on top of my bucket list at the moment. someday! :)
ReplyDeleteSounds good; there are still sooo many things I want to do. It will happen some day ;)
DeleteI went to that opera. It is so so beautiful. Even in the rain, Paris is so charming.
ReplyDeleteCool! It is right? I felt somewhat fancy just by walking in the palace :)
DeleteI totally agree with you. But I want to go to Paris anyway!! :)
ReplyDeleteHaha I can understand why ;)
DeleteWonderfull !
ReplyDelete:)
DeleteThese are such gorgeous photos! I loved my time in Paris (all four days...sigh) and it looks like you crammed a good bit in!!! Hopefully you didn't have a similar terrifying night bus experience...
ReplyDeleteTerrifying night bus experience? Aaah what happened?
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