Travel Zette

Why do so many love Paris and dream of coming here? Do we always know why we love someone or something? Is it a connection in our soul, beauty or passion? In walking, I thought of those that have been here, visiting or living, finding joy and love. If Paris is known as a city of love, perhaps it is because of passion. Many have shown love for the city by sharing their gifts of passion in art, writing, architecture, monuments, city planning and design. Each new site I discover and even the familiar places bring joy and isn’t that a gift of love?

I had no reservation at my hotel as it was often sold out and I needed to inquire each day or so for another night or two. Twice, I actually had to check out, store my luggage and return later in the day for any cancellation. I returned this last time around 7:00 pm and they asked if I would like a balcony on the outside or another inside room. I inquired if the balcony room was nice. She advised that it was my choice. OK, I said and it turned out to be on the top or 6th floor. When I came into the room I could see that the balcony was small, you needed a large step up to get out. I opened the curtain and the large french windows to look out and to my great surprise was a view over the rooftops of Sacré Coeur and the Eiffel Tower! I put the chair outside at sunset, had a glass of wine and enjoyed this beautiful gift for 5 more days.

Thursday was a nice sunny day and I went looking for Cafe L’Atome, recommended by a friend. As it was near the Eiffel Tower, I chose to go there first and take a nice walk down the Champ de Mars to Ecole Militaire and wander down to Boulevard de Grenelle. I found a nice little purple salon for a pedicure along the way and had a wonderful, very late lunch with a view of the Eiffel Tower. I walked along the Seine river and returned to the Trocadéro to watch the water show and lights come on at the Eiffel Tower. As I sat down on one of the stone benches to wait, I found a 2€ coin.

On Sunday, I went looking for another recommended restaurant. When I came up out of the metro, the Champs Élysées was blocked off and there was a parade. It was so crowded that I decided not to stay and headed for the metro near Arc de Triomphe. As I was about to go down I noticed the yellow flags with le Tour de France. I had no idea it was happening that day and was quite surprised to find myself at one of the prime locations for the final ride to the finish line. It was 4:30 in the afternoon, I had no water, no lunch and was very hot. I texted my friend who knows about this event and said, “how far away are the riders?” He responded with 100 km. Now I had to wait! My spot was fairly good but by the time the riders came those sitting down stood up so I raised my camera above my head and took a few pictures. My camera had a better view than me but it was a wonderful gift to be there!

I have learned that like love, Paris requires courage to meet challenges and patience in accepting what is to take in its gifts. I received gifts of kindness too…a free glass of wine for accepting delay at a bistro with no complaints and a couple of my favorite chocolates for free at Maison du Chocolat at the end of a long day. It has been 2 weeks in Paris as I learn to let go of expectation and trust that my needs will be met at the right time. I don’t want to leave Paris or France and it seems to be asking me to stay as well. Maybe I’m right where I need to be.