Day Two: Paris Saunter
Somewhere between my friend’s flat and the streets of Paris, I lost my sunglasses. I’m going to revise that and say that I misplaced my sunglasses because there is still a chance I’ll happen upon them when I unpack my suitcase in Positano tomorrow (!!!). In the mean time, I had to do without. Do you think I let this little fact ruin my day? Mais non!
I went out. I braved this city all by myself and took the metro–two lines–to meet a friend.
See? Disappeared shades not a factor.
I have to admit, it was out of my comfort zone to be scooting around this city solo. Even though I’m lucky enough to have navigated this place several times, I’ve never done it alone. But I decided at one point, that—from the outside at least—I looked like I knew exactly what the hell I was doing. So I just worked it like I owned it. I left my map in my purse, stepped off the Metro at my last stop and turned right with intentional determination and long strides as if to say, See, World, I know exactly what the hell I’m doing. All while my better angel was going, I’m good enough, I’m strong enough and doggone it! People like me! And also: Please don’t trip. Please don’t trip. Please don’t trip.
Sunglasses are always good when playing this sure-of-myself role, removing me one safe step from strangers who can’t look me in the eye, while having the added bonus of providing an air of mystery. Or at least, that’s what I pretend. I felt naked which was awkward, but I channeled Rick Steves’ (“If something is not to your liking, change your liking.”) and did it anyway. I stepped out of that subway car and turned right with conviction, hoping it was the direction of the exit. Not only did I turn in the correct direction for the exit (sheer luck), but I didn’t trip or get my sweater caught in the door. Girlfriend was destined to have a good day.
I had un omelettes aux fines herbs for breakfast and can I just say? One of the great things about Europe is that the herbs have flavor. Like, actual, distinct flavor separate of the eggs. Which also have flavor. I paired it with a jus d’orange and a café au lait which had flavor, too. I was so happy as to defy description. Suffice it to say, I kissed our lovely waiter goodbye.
I could have kissed every single waiter today. They were all so charming and helpful.
I also could have taken pictures of the amazing people all day long. Pardon, Madame? Mai je vous prenne un photo s’il vous plaît? (I was actually to chicken too ask in French, so I just asked in English.) “Of course,” she said.
I think she may get that a lot. I mean: Incroyable! Fantastique! Am I right? I’m convinced this woman is somebody. I mean, I know she’s somebody but I think she must be SOMEbody. (Edited to add: Turns out, she is very much SOMEBODY. H/T Sariah). She’s mysterious with or without the sunglasses. I wish I knew her.
And her, too.
Okay, and them, too. C’est la vie.
There is so much to do in this city it almost seems ridiculous to indulge in another visit to my very favorite museum. But God was it worth it.
It’s good every time. Again: My happiness level goes to eleven. I needed more waiters to kiss to fully express this fact, so we stopped at another café and look who I found???
Could it be…? Non…! He’s in an undisclosed bunker. This is simply a doppelgänger. Moving on…
Did I mention yet that there is love in Paris?
And other stuff that feels like love.
Vivre la France!
It’s 4:00 in the morning and I have to be up for a 7:30 ride to the airport. But it’s too tragic to waste this time sleeping when I can write. And look at pictures. Already, I can’t wait to come back.
We would love it if you did! xx
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