Yesterday morning the fog covered the hills above the village like a cupped hand. Everything was a bit muted, even the birds seemed to be humming under their wings. It took me back to my few hours roaming through Paris not so long ago.
For then too it was a gray day but my heart began pumping it with color so that I was painting outside the lines.
You see, I had a friend to meet. Isn’t it something…an anticipation that builds until it whirls like a carrousel?
I could hardly focus on my surroundings but focus I did or at least I tried. To see Paris for Paris’ sake…
…and that meant taking in not one but two art exhibitions in the space of nearly as many hours.
It was exceptional to see the City of Light as loved by the photographers of the Magnum collective. So many of the city’s most classic moments were captured and defined by photographers such as Henri Cartier-Bresson that I felt floating free in a past where I felt I belonged despite having never been.
It was a bit of time out of time until I stepped outside the Hotel de Ville and was reminded of recent events that had shocked the world, putting me smack back into 2015.
And yet La Conciergerie was mere steps away and I could nearly hear Marie Antoinette crying to be freed from her prison cell there…
…or Audrey Hepburn joyously shouting “Take the picture! Take the picture!” while floating past The Winged Victory of Samothrace at the Louvre.
Is this why we love Paris?
It is the host to so many of our stories – the imaginary, the real or those dancing in-between.
All we have to do is somehow place ourselves in that unique landscape, put a finger to the wind and pull on the blur.
As the night shrouded Paris in the fogs opposite, I boarded the train for Provence.
The doors to the TGV slid together, shutting sound and the wheels rolled out until I couldn’t hear them anymore. I took my camera out of my bag and set it in my lap. It held my story – or at least what it had been for those few hours. My cheek felt cool against the window as the bright lights dissolved. Paris was letting me go.
“Au revoir,” I whispered. Until we meet again.
You captured the things I love about Paris, and the voices I hear in my own head when I walk through the city, Heather. It's uncanny. Gave me chills. You have such an eye for the beautiful, my dear. On my bucket list is a stroll through the city with you – I can see the two of us, stopping every two seconds to take a picture, alternating between silent awe of our surroundings and chattering up a storm on a multitude of kindred-spririt subjects. Someday. I know we will just have to make it happen. Until then, this virtual walk with you was oh-so-lovely! XOXO
Your photo essay reveals the fine facets of Paris, “host to so many of our stories – the imaginary, the real or those dancing in-between.” Little by little I’m seeing Paris.
The Paris Magnum photography exhibits, black and white photos, and that colorful Eiffel Towers miniatures, Simone de Beauvoir & younger Picasso, show the versatility of the different photographers.
Ah – Heather – you tease us all!!! Such a fantastic city to be even as close as you are to enjoy and visit occasionally would be fantastic – watch out you don't trigger a major migration!!
Lovely! What a word picture!
Cheers,
Deb C
You have made me "feel" this visit, Heather. Vicki did this the other day with her NYC post. Maybe the wanderer in me needs more of a free hand to roam freely. Let's see, just came back from Hawaii & Montana, but they are not Europe, not even New York. Yep, I'm thinking of taking off in June, maybe a cruise of the Med as I've never done one. However, your train has made me think how much closer we are riding the rails.
THAT WAS PERFECT!
JUST BEAUTIFUL.
Perhaps I too felt a part of the trip even if I was not present!!!!
WE BOTH SHALL RETURN……………TOGETHER perhaps!
Thank you for these beautiful pictures of Paris – I needed that. I am French and was brought up in Paris but now live too far away. When I get depressed I try to find pictures of my home town and am pleased to have found your post. Merci beaucoup, cela m’a remonté le moral – un peu.
Beautiful photos and words and everything 🙂 You have captured the essence of your trip [erfectly. Ah, the Winged Victory of Samothrace – I do not think there is another sculpture quite as perfect and beautiful even if it is headless now.
Perfect timing for me, Heather, as I prepare to depart Kauai and return to "Her" indescribable allure .. Siren of all Sirens .. Vive la Paris …
Mahalo et Merci for yet another beautiful post … no doubt so meaningful for so many …
Bill
http://www.kauai-to-paris.com
Lived there for five years; left nine, can it really be nine, years ago. Your photo essay reminded me of so much that I hadn't really forgotten.
Merci.