Paris, the City of Lights

Paris, the City of Lights and Second Chances

I grew up hearing stories about Paris, yet back then, it wasn't a city that truly captivated me. However, I was constantly bombarded by my prosperous classmates, privileged enough to travel. Their summer vacations were a persistent topic of conversation—a series of tales about who had seen the most renowned sites and explored the most popular monuments. They would boast about strolling down majestic Parisian streets, often claiming to have mastered French in just two weeks—a feat my 15 years as a language teacher has taught me is impossible! Back then, their self-assured remarks left me in awe, as they described dining on an endless supply of croissants and macarons while contemplating Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower with their affluent families.

It's funny how some people's experiences can color your point of view about cultures and places, especially when you're young and inexperienced. Later in my life, I was surrounded by a few friends who, conversely, spoke rather disparagingly about their trips to Paris. They were biased, sometimes making terribly rude remarks about the French, Parisians in particular. Eventually, I learned that these comments were just based on their frustrations and past difficulties in speaking and communicating in another language. I mean, it happens to everyone, but why dismiss an entire culture due to one bad experience?

There were so many things I had taken for granted and didn’t know about Paris. Before, London and Prague had always been at the top of my list of favorite European cities. But after experiencing La Ville Lumière for the first time, Paris has earned a spot alongside them.

I’m passionate about Gothic architecture, and Paris boasts the oldest Gothic cathedral in the world, and it’s NOT Notre Dame. However, Notre Dame is older than cathedrals in London and Prague. Actually, France possesses the oldest Gothic cathedrals globally! The earliest were built during the 10th and 11th centuries. When I learned this fact, I was astounded! I was also intrigued while doing some research on the founding of the Île-de-France—I discovered that Paris was, in fact, the oldest of my top three favorite cities; it was founded even before London.

The Parisian Life

My twin cousins live in Paris, and they've resided in France for a very long time. As a result, they're fluent in French—you could even say they're more French now than they are from their country of origin. They invited me to visit during a very challenging time in my life. I was hesitant at first due to my friends' biased and negative views, but since I had nothing to lose and desperately needed a change of scenery, I booked a flight and arrived in November.

From the moment I arrived, my cousins became my expert guides to Paris. We began our journey by strolling along the Seine, taking in a breathtaking tour of the city's most celebrated sites. Of course, this included the must-sees like Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower, but we also ventured to other landmarks such as the Louvre Museum, La Conciergerie, the majestic Pont Alexandre III, and the Palais de Justice.

Our tour continued as we cruised around the Place de la Concorde, admiring the impressive L'Assemblée Nationale, Le Petit Palais, Le Grand Palais, and Le Pont de la Concorde. From there, we made our way toward the famous Champs-Élysées, where we climbed to the top of the Arc de Triomphe for a panoramic view of the city.

I had seen all these sites on TV, but I never imagined they could be so incredibly mesmerizing in person. That's why Paris is worshipped by so many and held up as the top cultural capital in the world. I would never have said that until now.

While I kept on discovering new sites and walking through the myriad of cafés and pub terraces, I noticed the distinctive furniture they exhibited: Bistro Chairs and Tables. I adored them; they are bright, colorful, and unique. I had never seen anything quite like it. I often sat down at a cafe and ordered a coffee or a beer, depending on the time of day, and experienced the marvelous atmosphere—the Parisian way of life! Never had I seen people enjoying life more than the French—eating, drinking, and smoking away! As if time had stopped for their enjoyment! That’s how I pictured my afternoons; full of laughter, discussions, and engaging conversations. And what better way to savor the Parisian way of life than with a glass of chilled Rosé?

I spent a few months in Paris. It was a time in my life where I was healing from open wounds left by a tangible past. Time does cure open wounds, but at a much slower pace than books and films depict. During my stay in Paris, I could notice the subtle shift that came throughout the repetition of embracing new habits and being present in a new place. I also changed my diet. I never had a sweet tooth in comparison to many; I preferred salty snacks, cold meats, and cheeses. However, I was blown away by French bakeries, La Boulangerie. Never in my life had I tried such good pastry as I did while in Paris. It was sweet, but not as sweet as things in other places where sugar is usually added. It is a delicacy, and yes, even the croissant cliché is utterly true! The same goes for their: pain au chocolat, croissant aux amandes, éclair, macaron… to suggest some. They are unequivocally exquisite!

I've often joked about what my last meal would be if I ever ended up on death row. My answer has always been the same: a spread of cold meats and cheeses, accompanied by a glass of red wine, preferably a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Rioja. While in Paris, I discovered that French cuisine was full of my "death row meals." It's common practice to order wine or beer at a café-brasserie and have it arrive with une assiette de charcuterie et fromage—a delightful plate of cured meats and cheese.

My stay in Paris was an unforgettable experience, one I'll retell and remember for a long, long time. It's often during our arduous moments that life reveals its other side, teaching us to be grateful for the little things and for the people who stand by us. My cousins offered the best therapy—a beautiful blend of fun, endless nights filled with laughter and dancing, music festivals, incredible people, and great food and drinks. I will definitely return to the City of Light!

Sources:

For Oldest Gothic Buildings in France:

Bony, Jean. French Gothic Architecture of the 12th and 13th Centuries. University of California Press, 1983.

For the Foundation of Paris (Lutetia) vs. London (Londinium):

Hornblower, Simon, and Antony Spawforth, editors. The Oxford Classical Dictionary. 4th ed., Oxford University Press, 2012.

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