Impressions of Paris

I’ve been putting off writing this post because, really… how do you describe Paris? I could talk about how everywhere you go, every road, every building is steeped with history, or how a quick cup of coffee could turn into an hour long affair, or how the Parisienne woman has perfected the art of looking immaculate but not as if she has actually made any effort at all, or how Paris, with it’s grand arches, elegant jardins and cozy cafés, is the perfect place to fall in love. I could tell you all of this, but you already know.

Paris is one of the most famous places in the world. Did you know that there have been at least 931 songs written about Paris (according to Wikipedia)? Go ahead, count them if you don’t believe me. Great cultural icons of past and present have fallen in love and out of love with this city. Victor Hugo brought the medieval past to life with his vivid description of the iconic église, in The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Earnest Hemmingway describes the extravagant nightlife of Paris post WWI and the hedonistic characters who unsuccessfully search for fulfillment through debauchery in The Sun Also Rises. George Orwell, on the other hand, embraces the impoverished side of the city in Down and Out in Paris and London, where the doormen and dishwashers relentlessly cater to the wealthy through a strict caste-like system. A current author, Muriel Barbery, focuses on the intellectual pursuits and philosophical dreaming of Parisians in her novel, The Elegance of the Headgehog.

All I can say is that everything you’ve heard about Paris is true… and none of it is true. For example:

• A café au lait costs more than 4 euros, but a croissant costs less than 2.

• Public transportation in Paris make getting around with out a car very easy and extremely efficient, yet the streets are a parking lot of traffic jams at all hours of the day.

• Paris is the fashion capital of the world and is priced accordingly, yet a Parisian would never wear something that showed off a label.

• Le marché des oiseaux is a busy and boistrous affair, but the birds seem to be only for show as no one actually takes one home.

• The Parisienne woman will not wear makeup on a date, preferring to show off her natural beauty, but will wear bright red lipstick to market.

• Graffiti is everywhere in Paris on cement walls, alleys, subway stations, even cars and vans, but not once did I see an old or historic building tagged.

Paris is a paradox that continues to fascinate the world.

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