As we were walking to
the train station I noticed my eyes were watering. Was it due to the cold wind
blowing in my face or the fact that we were leaving Paris? Possibly a mixture
of both. Will we ever come back here, Jim and I? Will we come with
grandchildren, friends, and other family members or has our time in Paris run
its course? Will I ever breathe in the stale smell of past histories or bring
to memory the battles fought in this great city and remember the Kings, Queens,
peasants and normal people who died fighting for their causes?
How do I feel about never seeing again the towers of Notre
Dame, the lights of the Eiffel Tower, the grandness of Sacre Coeur, the Louvre, and the
mixture of humanity with all its quirks and faults? Very sad indeed. I have
been blessed beyond words to have experienced Paris for almost 3 months during my life. That is more than I ever hoped or dreamed I would get. And to
live like a local in apartments, shopping where they shop, cooking from the
produce bought from the local markets, seeing doctors and buying medicine,
becoming so adept at the metros and trains that others ask for my advice, getting
haircuts and doing everything that is normal in everyday living is more than I
could have ever hoped for.
But with all that is wonderful about visiting the most
exciting city in the world, I probably won’t miss those things that we both
find unattractive about Paris. Smoking
has increased in our view since we first came here. We estimate that at least
30%, if not more, of the people smoke. And with smoking comes the trash that is
littered on the streets. You cannot avoid it.
Though the city of Paris has come a long way to cleaning the streets it
must be a never ending battle for them.
Personal space is a privilege not to be taken for granted.
Not only do you give up that privilege when visiting Paris and other European
cities but you learn to accept it. I don’t want to be that kind of person who
is okay with knocking someone over to get the last seat on the metro or doesn’t
say Pardon when running into you. I guess I like my personal space or at least
I want to be able to choose if I need my space or not. Sometimes it is not okay
to be rude.
And we cannot ignore the smell of urine, whether it is
animal or human. As much as I try to pretend it isn’t there the smell permeates
certain areas more often than not. I
wonder how a city with so much rich history and buildings allows its people and
animals to destroy the experience for others. It just doesn’t make sense.
So with sadness I admit that maybe, just maybe, Jim and I
have said our final farewells to the city we love. That isn’t saying we will
never go back but the draw that keeps us coming back has somehow changed
through the years. Or maybe we have changed. Maybe we feel like we need to end
on a grand note, and not tear down the city we love. Maybe we need to accept
Paris for what it is, faults and beauty both mixed together and the absolute
melting pot of the world that it is. Maybe we need to fully realize and
appreciate that we have enjoyed experiences together that will live in our
memories forever. And in our memories the negatives always turn positive and we
can truly say that Paris is more than we ever hoped or dreamed it would be.
1 comment:
That was beautiful and so sad! It makes me want to go o I can experience it for myself...what you two have experienced.
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