Woa.

Day 7 in Paris

The rhythm and the liveliness of Paris is starting to slip into me. I love how the laws are more loose, and yet I also hate it. Every time I get ready to cross the street I check approximately 18 times before going. Because honestly,Parisians could not care less who is in their way. They simply want to reach their destination and avoid all obstacles hindering the process. 

Another thing I've found about Paris is that some things, like the Eiffel Tower and the l'arc de triumph, have been somewhat underwhelming. These are tourist spots that I have always dreamt of visiting. Now, don't think that I wasn't dazzled at the sight of them, I certainly was. But what I found truly incredible were all the back streets lining the main ones. I really enjoyed all the little hole in the wall crêperies, coffee shops, with street artists and  tiny old bookstores near by. These were the sights that made me fall in love with Paris. 

More thoughts and observations soon. Below are some pictures of things I've seen so far. 

-Aly 

 

Two weeks before departure.
Paris, the city of lights, the city of love. It's a candle that blazes and rages before the world. For decades the world has looked on it lovingly, sang its praises, written it verses, and wandered through its streets amongst the phantoms and street performers.
I can't remember the first time my eyes fell on a picture of the Eiffel Tower. I was four or five most likely. Probably wearing a shabby t-shirt, denim cutoffs and worn sneakers with glow in the dark laces. But I do remember doing my fourth grade "world's greatest architectural structures," project on it. I got an A. (I'm pretty sure everyone did but I know there was something special about mine.) For whatever reason the idea of one day travelling to Paris has wandered into the aspirations of my youth and remained ever since.
This summer I will finally make the voyage and get to relish in Paris's glamour and history. Two weeks from today I will be on an airplane flying my way to the city of lights and staying there for five weeks. I will get to walk along the Seine and under the shadow of the Eiffel Tower as I study Creative Writing and the French language.
Maybe its the fact that it's getting late or that Paris has been glued to my brain for days but I can't quite articulate my excitement. So I apologize if this post seems scattered or distant. And now I've gone so far as to acknowledge the fact that I'm writing this. I'm typing but I keep missing letters and redoing portions. And it's 10:31 at night. And I'm going to Paris. And it all feels surreal like I'm trapped in one of Salvador Dali's haunted musings. Writing is difficult, I love it but I never quite know how to start even after I've finished. But that, I suppose, is for another time entirely.
Anyways, being excited for Paris has become my new hobby. Right up there with reading and filming. I will say it definitely takes up plenty of time.
My trip is right around the corner and I can feel my wide grin  permanently molding to my face. Stay tuned, there's plenty more to say:).
-Aly