All Things French

All Things French

It is my last night in Paris and I am not prepared to leave a life that involves seeing the Tour Eiffel, going to the Musée du Louvre, shopping on the Champs Élysées, picnicking on the Pont des Arts, and all things French.

Now, I encountered many “French” experiences while in Paris. I have become accustomed to the French way of greeting (two kisses rather than a handshake), the French way of dining (good French food continued by hours of conversation), the French way of transportation (taking the metro/walking everywhere), and the French way of speaking (in French of course!).

The other day while buying a gift, the (middle-aged) woman at the counter saw what I was buying and said, “C’est chouette!” (That’s cool/neat!) I was so excited when I heard her say this because it is a phrase that I learned in one of my French classes with Madame. I couldn’t believe people actually said that! (Younger people say the more common “C’est cool!”) I am so fascinated by and immersed in the French language and Parisian culture that leaving seems like an enormous effort and adjustment at this moment.

The last few days in Paris have been beautiful, “California weather” days. Clo, Daniel and I spent Saturday in the Montparnasse quarter of Paris—an area full of great restaurants and beautiful architecture. We went to sushi for lunch and then visited the church where the “Da Vinci Code” was filmed. We stopped by an English book store near a street full of English pubs—it reminded me of Oxford. After exploring the streets of Montparnasse, we took pictures in the dazzling Luxembourg gardens. The flowers were blooming with color and there was a bride and groom getting their picture taken. We stopped by the Tour Eiffel (along with thousands of other tourists) on the way home.

Sunday might just be my favorite day in Paris. I woke up to the sun shining brightly through the window. We had a big English brunch—bacon, crumpets, and tomatoes soaked in balsamic vinegar. After brunch, I spent the day in Montmarte—hands down my favorite place in Paris. Montmarte almost seems to have its own culture. There is a “living life for each moment and each day as it comes” sort of vibe here that is unlike anywhere else I’ve encountered in Paris.

The streets are long and narrow, at first full of tourists going to see the Sacré Coeur and then locals buying baguettes at the boulangerie. The Sacré Coeur is possibly my favorite basilica in the world. Walking up to this impressive cathedral, there are people everywhere—tourists and Parisians alike—sitting on the steps, lying on the grass, deep in conversation while enjoying the sun. There are street performers singing, dancing, and playing instruments hoping for tips and entertaining the crowds of people. Inside the Sacré Coeur, you can’t help but want to say a prayer of thanks to God for letting you experience such beauty. Even among thousands of people inside the basilica, I felt like I was sharing a moment between me and God. I lit a candle and said a prayer of remembrance for Uncle Dan, Aunt Grace, Jamie, Br. Richard, and Matt before leaving. I spent the next few hours wondering around Montmarte. I had my fourth nutella crépe of the trip, spent some time people watching, and speaking French (as best I could) with some of the locals.

Tonight, sadly, was my last night in Paris and it could not have been more perfect (or more “French”). My friend Danielle told me about the “Pont des Arts experience” when she found out I was going to Paris, and I am so grateful to her because tonight was one of the most amazing nights I’ve had in all of my travels. Clo, Daniel and I went to the Pont des Arts for sunset tonight—a bridge on the Seine River behind the Louvre. We picked up a bottle of good French wine and some baguette, ham, cheese, and tomatoes on the way. When we got there, hundreds of people (both locals and tourists) were enjoying good food, good wine, and good company just as we did while watching the sun set over the Seine. Believe it or not, this is a nightly occurrence for many in Paris.

I am leaving in six hours for Italy—a place I know is full of adventures just waiting for my arrival. I will miss Paris as if it were my home, but I am excited to speak Italian, eat Italian food, and experience “la dolce vita.” Buona notte e ci vediamo in Italia!

xoxo
Kel