Into The Fray

Paul and I are in Paris.

We are in Paris.

“We’re in Paris!” Kate’s exuberence spills over from the back seat. I have a knot in my stomach and a grin on my face as I try to help navigate Paul through marathon of Parisian traffic; all I can think is “please don’t send us to the arc, please don’t send us to the arc…”

The Arc De Triomphe; it is one of Paris’ most iconic monuments. The roundabout which circles it is one of the most iconic examples of driving in Paris: fast, laneless and eating tourists like us. “I got this.” says Paul, who is comfortable weaving in and out of the traffic, “It’s just like driving in LA.” 

But we’re not in LA.

We’re in Paris.

Grandma, our navigation system who is named so for the hungarian voice which was downloaded onto it, guides us to Rue De Lille where our destination is located. We begin to search for parking as soon as we turn left onto the street. Soon we pass number 48; the gallery where we are to meet our group. In the next block God performs a miracle and a shiny coup pulls out of their spot. Paul parks and the knot in my stomach relaxes. Now I let my eyes roam the cityscape of Paris.

Paris is much.

It is the hustle of pedestrians. It is the feeling of being full in your mind. Everywhere you look your gaze is sweetened; the city is massive and too small at the same time.

Paul and I are staying in the apartment of a young lady who is out of town. Our guide shows us the way; the first leg of the journey is to walk through the Louvre. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world. We arrive at the apartment building, number 15. Through the main door into a courtyard then up a staircase which greets you like a grandmother; worn, warm and welcoming. The door to the apartment looks as though it is carved out of the wall. The apartment is miniture; as if it was an after thought to the builder. It is perfect.

“I want one.”

“I know you do.” Paul smiles.

The muchness of Paris could be overwhelming if you are not careful or carefully guided. Luckily on this trip we are both; but this is best left for another post.

Continuing the adventure,

Jessica