On the Road: Paris
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Who wouldn't want to be a French girl? Whether true or not, we all imagine she looks great in skinny jeans and ballet flats, totes baguettes in her bicycle basket, doesn't get fat, and brings a graceful touch to everyday living. Sadly, I am not French. But I did get to spend a week in Paris, and I can tell you that an ordinary American girl can quickly feel sublime and in her element among all that foie gras.
First, you will feel beautiful in Paris. Every building, imposing or understated, every little dog, every boutique window, every view from every bridge - all of it is lovely. And soon the atmosphere of gorgeousness will go straight to your head. You may find yourself at the dinner table arching your back like a cat and gazing through lowered lashes. You will raise an eyebrow, smirk, and flirt. You will, and this I promise, forget any silly insecurity that dogs you stateside. Your feet may ache from the walk up Montmartre and you may step in something you wish you hadn't. It won't matter. Listening to an old man with an accordion and letting the cold wind whip through your hair at night, you will be unstoppable gorgeous and irresistibly alive.
Second, you will never be so happy to sit down to a meal. Whether in grubby, smoke-filled tourist traps or Michelin-rated temples to gastronomy, the food steals your heart. Some of the best fun is walking through one of the many markets (or even a street that is crowded with food shops) and marveling at all your favorite kinds of cheese, the astounding number of wines for less than 10 euro a bottle, the sumptuous red flesh of a duck breast, or the intricate and precious pastries that shine under a thin glaze. You may well become jealous of the French gastronomic advantage as you nosh on duck rillette and crisp, airy baguette or sip your rich cafe creme in the warm light of a bistro with a horseshoe-shaped bar. You will forgive them this edge.
And you will, of course, be in love. It is a statistical fact that everyone falls in love in Paris. You may become charmed again by the quotidian details of daily life or the sudden cold rain that leaves the world slick and black. I hope you may take up a love affair with yourself, remembering you're not so bad at all (in fact, some say you are enchanting!). You may - what luck! - meet someone new to get lost with in the Louvre and kiss next to the Seine. And if you are very, very lucky, you may fall in even deeper with the one who brings you coffee each morning and wishes you sweet dreams every night.
Second, you will never be so happy to sit down to a meal. Whether in grubby, smoke-filled tourist traps or Michelin-rated temples to gastronomy, the food steals your heart. Some of the best fun is walking through one of the many markets (or even a street that is crowded with food shops) and marveling at all your favorite kinds of cheese, the astounding number of wines for less than 10 euro a bottle, the sumptuous red flesh of a duck breast, or the intricate and precious pastries that shine under a thin glaze. You may well become jealous of the French gastronomic advantage as you nosh on duck rillette and crisp, airy baguette or sip your rich cafe creme in the warm light of a bistro with a horseshoe-shaped bar. You will forgive them this edge.
And you will, of course, be in love. It is a statistical fact that everyone falls in love in Paris. You may become charmed again by the quotidian details of daily life or the sudden cold rain that leaves the world slick and black. I hope you may take up a love affair with yourself, remembering you're not so bad at all (in fact, some say you are enchanting!). You may - what luck! - meet someone new to get lost with in the Louvre and kiss next to the Seine. And if you are very, very lucky, you may fall in even deeper with the one who brings you coffee each morning and wishes you sweet dreams every night.
Comments
Gorgeous video. Felicitations! :)
P.S. For all the French speakers, I know that there should be an accent on the "e" but it seems to come out as a "?".
Posted by: Ann | January 9, 2007 7:15 AM
Sarah - Enjoyed the first "The Pink of Perfection goes on the road!" You look wonderful in the pictures and what a great chronicle of what must have been a fabulous trip! Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Gail | January 9, 2007 7:18 AM
Oh Sarah...I love your narrative. And I thought the accordian bit was hyperbole. And yet there he is, half Hells Angel, half Polka prince.
You never fail to delight!
Posted by: agnes | January 9, 2007 10:43 AM
Sarah, you should seriously put a warning on this one, something like: "to all at their windowless dayjobs in old steam-heated New York office buildings: watch at your own risk”.
I'm going to go make myself a cup of Fauchon darjeeling and stir it wistfully. You look gorgeous. The old man with the accordion is OK too. I am super impressed that you put together such a great looking lunch in a foreign country.
Posted by: Collyn | January 9, 2007 2:59 PM
wow I am so impressed by your video! magnificent job! :)
I just discovered your blog -- I am officially in love :D
Posted by: Alicat | January 9, 2007 7:42 PM
Sarah! You look positively RADIANT! (And so does that mushroom guy.)
I'm glad you came back, cause I can see how easy it could be to just stay and hand over those giant euro notes to open-market vendors for the rest of your days.
And the accordion music at the end over the logo is downright moving.
Thanks as always for being such great entertainment, POP.
Posted by: Gregor | January 9, 2007 9:57 PM
Absolutley wonderful. I cannot wait to go to Europe.
Posted by: Josie | January 10, 2007 6:17 PM
i want to go! so incredibly jealous! i think this might be my favorite post yet!
Posted by: melanie | January 11, 2007 1:16 PM
First visit on your blog, I live in Paris I must admit that your video is amazing. Bravo !
Posted by: Christell | January 15, 2007 1:10 PM
Thanks for all the awesome feedback, everyone! We had so much fun with this video and in Paris - the hardest part is coming back!
Posted by: Sarah | January 15, 2007 4:14 PM
Hi Sarah! I just came across your blog today! I love it ("Pink of Perfection" -- that's so clever). I thoroughly enjoyed your video and this entry. Makes me want to go to Paris even more! Haha.. I can't wait for your next entry.
Posted by: Chelsie | January 17, 2007 11:50 PM
Congrats on another brilliant post! You are now officially linked. How could I have snubbed you so? I will endeavor to make amends.
Posted by: Faith | January 19, 2007 12:36 PM
I am so very, very proud of you; you can't know how proud. Love, Dad
Posted by: Dad | January 21, 2007 11:12 PM
Thank you so much for this post and your video. I'm going to Paris in May and it really can't come fast enough. Any restaurants, shops or attractions you recommend? (I've been to Paris before and have done all the mandatory touristy stuff).
Posted by: Heavy Petal | January 22, 2007 7:30 PM
This is my first time on your blog and so glad I visited. Paris is only a 3 hour flight away from me here in Marrakech. I have been several times and once lived there for a year...but that was long ago. I even had a Parisian boyfriend for 3 years (oh until he cheated on me. oh dear.)
Posted by: M in Marrakesh | January 23, 2007 4:25 AM
Sounds like a fun trip. How accessible is France for travelers who don't speak French?
Posted by: Jason Y. | January 29, 2007 3:17 AM
Missing POP, and hoping there's a new post soon!
Posted by: Amanda | January 29, 2007 6:17 PM
Heavy Petal, One of my favorite places was a bistro called La Grappe d'Orgueil (5, rue des Petits-Carreaux, 2nd arr., metro: Sentier). We sat in a cozy red booth, shared a plate of cured meats, pates, and cheeses, and listened to James Brown on the stereo. Totally French, and totally cool. And of course, visit a market.
Jason, Don't be afraid! I was so panicked about the language (namely, that I didn't speak it) but you stumble along with one bad phrase of French and then someone will smile at you sympathetically and encourage you to speak English. Pas mal!
Posted by: Sarah | January 30, 2007 9:17 PM
Been there and want to be there NOW!!!
I love your videos!
Posted by: Deborah | July 6, 2007 9:38 PM
Love your site and the videos! Congrats on the engagement and Happy New Year! =)
Posted by: Eugy | January 3, 2008 12:11 PM