Paris

We love Paris. We as in the whole world. We as in me. 

Because it’s true, the global consciousness has carved out a special place for Paris. I usually don’t try to perpetuate stereotypes, but I did the most stereotypical thing when I chose Paris as my study abroad city. There are so many other places in this world, but I went with the most generic American university student choice. Besides London, maybe. It was my first experience in Europe. It was my first time traveling somewhere foreign. It was totally out of my comfort zone. 

I may not have learned much French (it’s actually quite embarrassing how bad my French is), but I did learn a lot. Paris is a challenging place once you look past the romantic surface. It is flawed in many ways. The more intimately you get to know the city, the harder it is to love. Hell, I wrote an entire thesis about the religious and racial tensions in France. And yet, I can’t help but love it in spite of its flaws. 

Because look at it. It’s the most ridiculously beautiful place in the world. I am content doing absolutely nothing by myself in Paris. That’s actually my favorite pastime. Doing nothing in Paris. Being a nobody in Paris. It’s the best thing. 

So I first spent a summer in Paris back in 2014. A student, a temporary resident. A wide-eyed child tentatively dipping her toe into this new world. I was barely beginning to open up before I had to say goodbye. 

It wasn’t until 2019 that I was able to visit again. This time an adult, alone, with a little more scrutiny. And yet, it sucked me in so easily. I was sunny in a rainy Paris. Swept away once again by the awe-inspiring architecture. The way the light dances on the façades. So I had to admit it. I want so badly to say it’s overrated, but damn I love Paris. 

Paris Guide | Musée Rodin
February 17, 2022
Coffee Guide | % Arabica
February 7, 2022
NYC Guide | Buvette
January 3, 2022
Paris | Berthillon
June 12, 2021
Eat | Amorino
June 10, 2021
Paris | Marché Bastille
May 29, 2021
Paris | Paperboy
May 27, 2021
Paris | L’As du Fallafel
May 24, 2021
Paris Guide | O/HP/E
October 12, 2020
Paris Guide | Du Pain et des Idées
July 13, 2020
Paris Guide | Angelina
May 23, 2020
Coffee | Café Kitsuné
February 20, 2020
Paris Guide | PEONIES
August 8, 2019
Paris Guide | Centre Pompidou
May 14, 2018

stories

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Solo in Paris

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