It feels like a lifetime ago, when I lived in Paris. I decided to go there because I loved all things French, in fact, I was even in the French club in high school. I remember going to see Les Miserables at the Denver Center for Performing Arts. It was magical. If you’ve ever seen the movie Sabrina the title character says the following:
I Found Myself in Paris
I did too. I found out that I was a citizen of the world while living in Paris. I wandered the streets of Paris passing lovers, small green book stalls along the River Seine, and muted streets illuminated by soft yellow street lights.
Paris is the type of city that is better experienced in the moodier times of year when the hordes of tourists taper off and you can roam the streets with ease. I became a citizen of the world discussing politics, being pushed to explain why I believed what I believed.
Being American in a foreign country forces one to think about and answer some deep questions like:
- What’s the deal with the guns?
- Why is your election cycle so long?
- What’s the deal with racism in America?
- How can you drink Root Beer?
Living in a foreign country forces you to reflect deeply on your role as a world citizen. Because ultimately, we are citizens of the world-even if we never travel to a foreign shore.
Paris is an elegant, abrasive, proud place to experience. It is over 2,000 years old and as one wanders the streets you are assaulted with smells of bread, the occasional waft of urine, and the need to watch out for poo. Then, you would turn the corner and see the most stunning flower shop you had ever seen in your life. Peonies, roses, and baby’s breath all artfully arranged and almost glowing in the muted grey of Paris in Fall.
I loved Paris. I loved walking from the Arc de Triomphe to the Fifth Arrondissement on a weekly basis. I loved getting fresh baguettes or pan au chocolate (chocolate croissants). Or going to the store Thanksgiving that was a haven for Americans living in Paris at that time.
The events on Friday broke my heart…but what also broke my heart was the complete lack of coverage of the bombings in Beirut. I have to say that even though I was out of town I still had access to my computer. I quite honestly didn’t hear anything about what happened in Lebanon.
We as human beings can’t collectively care about one country over the other. We can’t care about one race over the other. My travels and my old job taught me that we are the same…but we just sometimes do things a little differently.
Because of my experience in Paris and other places I’ve learned that I am a part of something bigger. So are you.
Paris Je t’aime
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I have never been to Paris but it is on my bucket list. The way you described it is just how I imagine it to be too. My heart broke when I heard last Friday as I just can’t fathom such hate or the desire to hurt people in that way. And I was unaware something even happened in Beirut, which just proves your point. We are citizens of the world and we need how to support one another regardless of skin color or religion.
It is a wonderful city and I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to live there. I am planning to take my mom to France in the next 2 years and I can’t wait. That being said, I think the selective angst that we show is not ok. Why aren’t we just as upset about the lives that are being taken daily in poor neighborhoods in the U.S. via gun violence? Why aren’t we just as upset about the 140+ people killed in Nigeria earlier this year via terrorism. Maybe our selective angst is the reason why terrorists are able to indoctrinate people. They allegedly “care” for those that others don’t. We have to show that we also care through our actions and we’re not doing that right now.
Paris is one of my favourite places in the world. Probably my 2nd favourite city. I just have no words.
It’s just senseless. It has been too long since I’ve visited. I hoping to visit again in 2017.
I had to cancel my flight there to Paris because of the incident. This would be my first time but I still look forward to visiting the place, Michelle.
Jamie, I’m sorry to hear that but when you do get a chance to visit it is a city that will capture your imagination and maybe your heart. It has been a very long time since I lived there so it’s long overdue for me to go and visit.