Everything you miss if you grew up in Paris
The roots of my occasional homesickness
Going to school in the US seemed like a given for a long time. After growing up in Paris, I wanted to discover something new, something different. And while the change has definitely been beneficial, there are still plenty of things I miss about Paris.
Walking around
When you think about getting around in Paris, the Metro system comes to mind. It’s the most efficient mean of transportation, whether you’re a tourist heading to the Eiffel Tower or a local heading to work. But there’s something wonderful about ditching public transport to walk around this beautiful city.
Pointlessly walking around Paris often leads to cool discoveries, from lush parks to sculptures and fountains. At night, when the bustling dies down and the lights come on, it’s another world altogether that’s worth exploring.
The Pyramids at the Louvre
The Garnier Opera
The famous high-end department store “Printemps” at night
Hanging out by the Seine
The famous river that cuts Paris in half is a great place to relax on a nice day. The banks of the Seine are home to many attractions, from the famous Musée d’Orsay to nightclubs, parks, rustic residential boats and much more.
It’s also a great place to gather with friends and enjoy a cold drink by the water.
The Square du Vert Galant, surrounded by the water
The food, art and culture
When one thinks about France, wine, cheese, bread and art come to mind, all of which seem to intersect in Paris. This is what the city is probably best know for.
A classic bistro cold cuts plate with red wine
A French cheese shop
Artists gather in a square on Montmartre
La ‘Fete de la Musique’
June 21st is a special day in Paris. The summer equinox is also the day of “La Fete de la Musique,” a city wide music festival. Musicians of all ages, of all genres, amateur and professional, set up on the streets of Paris and play music all day and all night. The streets and bars are always full of people eating, drinking and enjoying the music.
The love of life
French people seem cold, distant and even unfriendly with strangers. But nce you get to know them, it’s a different story. You can laugh about anything with a French person, there is a true “joie de vivre,” an appreciation for.
So to everyone at Brown who says I have a resting bitch face: actually, I’m just French.