I received news that Paris was a journey foreseeable in my bleak crystal ball a single and solid (and practically exact) year before takeoff. The wanderlust adventurer in me sky-rocketed at the thought of seeing a flag unlike America’s, the scholar in me bought too many French-English dictionaries and travel guides, and the artist in me stood still, ram-rod straight, one ear glued to the phone my uncle was speaking out of (“Emily, are you there? We’re going to Paris!”) and my other ear already hearing the quietness of the Parisian streets, the brew of rich coffee, the buzz of the world’s second largest Metro station, and the intangible happiness in my heart.
FINALIST 2015 FTF TEEN TRAVEL WRITING SCHOLARSHIP
I received news that Paris was a journey that would change my life forever.
It certainly hasn’t disappointed me yet.
There were five of us – My Grandma and Uncle (who paid for me to go), my anxiety-ridden mother, my Indiana-native cousin, and me – in an apartment that could literally see the top of the Eiffel Tower, a genius and innovative piece of art that lights up at 11:00 P.M (or 23:00 in European talk) every night. From our apartment windows that we kept open every night for the cool air that contrasted against the heavy humidity back in Florida, we could hear the yells and gasps and cries of appreciation, from the People of Paris, as that iconic piece of architecture ignited from more than 20,000 individual lightbulbs.
Because that was my favorite part about Paris. It wasn’t the places, the architecture, the art, nor the cafes that made me fall in the love with Paris, France. When I was at the D’Orsay, looking frantically for one of my favorite Caillebotte paintings, The Floor Scrapers, I found myself admiring the people more than the art. For me, the people were the art. When I was at Le Bosque, by far the fairest and cheapest cafe around Rue Cler, a must hit tourist street, I stole glances at the mouths of the people eating the fine food instead of the eclectic food itself; waltzing through the Tuilerie gardens on my way to the infamous Louvre, I gazed at the lazy loungers and not the clean-cut flowers or fountains in the same way that I loved the lethargic expressions on the worshippers in St. Sulpice more than the sound of one of the most magnificent organs in the world: “Do you hear that, Emily? The sounds of angels are upon us”.
I agree, Grandma. I agree.
It was this reason, my love for the people in Paris, that my photography – an emotional and explorative hobby of mine – flourished. I never let go of my camera while in Paris, shooting a grin on a little French mademoiselle here and capturing a smoke break of a tired garçon there. I took a total of more than 1,000 photographs but I acquired memories that far surpass that quantitative value.
The quality of my visit, of my photographs, cannot be understated. Paris showed me how to love all the imperfections around me, to find all the hidden perfections. Paris prompted me the opportunity to live, even if it was just through a few 1,000 photographs that I cherish every time I look at them, remembering my time loving the people of Paris, loving the people I shared Paris with, and loving Paris – a city that loved me right back.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
0 Replies to “People in Paris”
Comment on this article
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
I like the helpful info you provide in your articles.
I will bookmark your weblog aand check again here frequently.
I’m quite certain I’ll learn plenty of new stuff right here!
Good luck for the next!
Hi there! Would you mind if I share your blog with my facebook group?
There’s a lot of people that I think would really enjoy your content.
Please let me know. Many thanks
We absolutely love your blog and find most of your post’s to be just what I’m looking for.
Do you offer guest writers to write content
for yourself? I wouldn’t mind writing a post or elaborating on many of the subjects you write concerning
here. Again, awesome site!
Essential bags: Remember to bring commonly used medicines, prescription medicines, motion sickness medicine, cold medicine, wound closures, etc.
Thanks for sharing
Very nice article. I certainly love this site.
Contine the good work!
Wow, Fran Falkin’s pet travel tips are a lifesaver! ? Planning our pet-friendly vacation has been a breeze thanks to these insightful tips. We followed tip #2, and now our fur baby practically loves their carrier, making our journey stress-free. Plus, we found a cozy hotel that welcomes our pet, so they’re enjoying the adventure just as much as we are. Thanks, Fran, for turning our pet travel worries into tail-wagging excitement!
Hey There. I found your weblog using msn. That
is a really smartly written article. I’ll make sure to bookmark it and return to learn more of
your useful info. Thank you for the post. I will certainly
comeback.
i wish i was chinese
I am genuinely pleased to read this weblog posts which includes plenty
of helpful information, thanks for providing
these kinds of statistics.
Greetings! Very helpful advice in this particular
article! It’s the little changes that will make the biggest changes.
Thanks for sharing!
Explore the beauty of Sri Lanka with our family tours. Discover unforgettable experiences for all with Family Tours Sri Lanka. Book your adventure today with Sri Lanka Family Tours.
Great post.
Yes, recent trends suggest that Americans are regaining confidence in vacations and travel. As travel restrictions ease and vaccination rates increase, many Americans are showing a greater willingness to travel and explore destinations again. However, it’s important to stay updated on travel advisories and safety measures to ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.
Reading Fran Falkin’s insights took me back to my first trip with Whiskers, my feline companion. The chaos of ensuring he was comfortable amidst the hustle of the airport was a lesson in patience. Had I come across these invaluable tips earlier, our journey would’ve been as smooth as a calm sea.
Thank you! I value it!
Great information. Cheers.
Very good write-up. I certainly appreciate this website.
Continue the good work!
I read your article on the Sheep of Sun Valley and I found it very fascinating and enjoyable. You have given a detailed and colorful account of your experience at the Trailing of the Sheep Festival, which celebrates the history and culture of sheepherding in Idaho. I think your article is a great way to introduce this unique and fun event to other travelers and families who are looking for a different and memorable adventure.
This is something new I saw on the internet today I want to thank you for writing such a great and helpful blog. I really appreciate your efforts.