Day 206
Tonight is our last night of this year and our time in Paris. For years Paul has wanted to spend a longer stretch living in Paris. I was neither opposed nor overly enthusiastic. We’ve been to Paris so many times I thought there were other places we could spend our time. But I’m so glad we were here.
The view from our window.
A few things have surprised me. First, was how quickly it came to feel like home. The girls also mentioned it, that it feels like we’ve been living here for a long time. We have our favorite restaurants, movie theaters, museums. The metro stops are familiar, the grocery store shelves, new favorite chocolate treats have been added to our list. Everything one needs to feel dug in.
There is little mystery why Paris is the most visited city in the world. The 35 million people per year are drawn to a certain romanticism reflected in the museums, architecture, quaint outdoor cafe culture. But I’ll always have a soft spot in my heart for this city because of the terrorist attacks that happened while we were here. One of those rare life events that shake you because of their proximity and their profound sadness. They ground me to try to love those around me better. To be less distracted when my teen is connecting with me by showing me a hedgehog boat on Youtube, not telling my mom she’s told me that story of Germany in the 1930’s a dozen times, making a better effort to keep in touch with my sibs.
As far as New Year’s Eve go, this is one of my favorites. I can’t help but reflect a bit on where I’ve been and where I’m going. Last year at this time, there was nothing interesting on the horizon. We only started planning this trip in May. In February I turned 50 and started to feel more a sense of urgency to get on with doing the things in life I’ve always wanted to do. I’d dreamt of doing this trip for as long as I can remember. This year, we are in the middle of it. I couldn’t be happier. Really. I’m not sure it would be possible. This one goes to 11 and I’m there. I’ll always remember these months in Paris with a deep fondness.
Tomorrow we leave for a week in Istanbul and then a few weeks in Thailand. From there we have quite a few countries we’d like to see, with plans to land in Japan for cherry blossom season. Then we will head back to Europe. In the summer we will head back to FL to set down roots for Cali to go to high school. I’ve never been so excited about what’s happening in the coming year than I am tonight. Now that’s something I can celebrate.