Since I was a little boy growing up in Catalonia, Spain for a few years, I have been going to France regularly, but it wasn’t until 1991 that I got to go to Paris and as I expected, I fell in love with the place. The last time before this year that I was in Paris proper was nineteen years ago, and I regretted that I never went INSIDE the Notre Dame, thinking it wasn’t all that impressive, but then realizing I missed the best part of the architectural wonder. This year, despite the long tourist line, I got inside (without cheating and pretending I was going to the mass). The timing worked out well, and I got to see most of the other must-see tourist sites that I had seen before. The other regret that I had when I was in Paris was that I saw everything through the black and white viewfinder. Not until weeks later when I returned and looked at the video did I realize how bright and beautiful Paris was, but I wanted to capture everything on videotape when I was there. I also remember having dreams about a whirring sound which I later determined to be the camera next to my ear on my shoulder for hours each day. This time I took it a little easier, finding it very easy to walk and going at my own fast pace, not fretting if I didn’t see all the best sites. I got to see everything I wanted anyway, although I did not have time for the Moulin Rouge or Sacre Coeur. For some reason I didn’t remember the entrance to the Louvre being in a plaza. I thought there was a road that went right by it. I wonder if that changed. I also saw a large ferris wheel, which reminded me of the large on in London, both of which are apparently new, permanent structures. I think it’s a clever addition to the downtown and tourist areas, because I imagine the views are phenomenal.
I had to take at least one picture of the women who throw themselves onto the Champs-Élysées begging for coinage. It was very shocking and depressing at first, but then I saw they were lined up almost taking turns with the dramatic stance. It was a very hot day, but they apparently make a statement of how poor they are by doing this.
I was also disappointed that there were lots of American chains including a very well patronized McDonald’s right there next to the Arc de Triomphe. I did think the Smurf advertisement was cute and it reminded me of the Despicable Me 2 advertisement I took a picture of in Berlin a few days earlier.
All that being said, I’m a huge Francophile and love the language. Staying in an apartment in Marais was a wonderful experience that helped me feel like a Parisian, especially when I got to the point that I did not have to speak any English and was able to understand the fast-spoke French that was being hurled at me by shopkeepers and friends alike. My native French friend Sebastien told me that I would be able to speak fluently if I stayed there a few months, which really thrilled me to hear. I know deep down that French is within my grasp, even though I’ve never had a lesson in it (but knowing Italian pretty well and having some good experience and a few years of Spanish helps).
