Paris, je t’aime

So let me begin by issuing a quick apology.

I was SUPPOSED to post last weekend, however I found life quite difficult as I was indisposed with a lung infection. A nice parting gift from my family, I must admit. So- onto the crux of this blog, Paris.

What can be said about this city that has not already been said? I think perhaps, to express my utter wonder and veneration for this completely magical city, I draw upon the wisdom of a man much wiser than I,

“If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast.”
― Ernest Hemingway, A Moveable Feast

It is indeed a feast. For the eyes, the ears, the stomach and the soul. I often catch myself bumping into rather exquisite lamp posts as my gaze wanders upwards, towards the soaring white walls of Parisian buildings, their crenelations offering the viewer a new perspective of beauty, block by block. And of course, there is the Eiffel. Towering above the city in its romantic Victorian majesty for the whole city to admire. The gravity of my situation came crashing into realization once I made the pilgrimage to the very top last Sunday evening. Even through fits of coughing and wheezing, I was awe struck by the sheer size and wonder of the city.

By far and away, my favorite sound of Paris is the pitter patter of rain in the courtyard of my mid 19th century apartment building. There is something very romantic about the silence in Paris during a rainfall. And by sheer dumb luck, there is a concert pianist across from my apartment, so the sounds of Chopin and Beethoven waft through the sleepy Parisian evenings.

And the food…well, what can be said about the food? Fresh baguettes, warm buttery croissants and creamy soft brie have been just some of the delights I have enjoyed so far. I think it is safe to say I am enjoying myself quite thoroughly so far in this wonderful city. And apart from some minor drawbacks (taking the metro during rush hours does give one a true sense of what it feels like to be a sardine), I am settling myself well into this city for my four month stay.

Thank you for reading my ramblings, and I do promise to post again soon.

Au revoir mes amis.