In the realm of bark-skinned romance, dramatic stone design, and gustatory genius, Paris emerges as a crown jewel. In its cobblestone streets and flagrantly delicate patisseries exists an ambiance that rivets and reduces to insignificance the hectic pulse of the rest of the globe. Consequently, it was no surprise when my maiden excursion to Paris triggered an internal metamorphosis – a fusion of self-interrogation and self-discovery wrapped in the gentle velvet of Parisian allure.
Paris effortlessly wears the mantle of ‘the city of love’. But there is a profound, innate authenticity that significantly transcends the stereotype. My experiences in Paris were a testament to this authenticity. This was not the deceptively sugared love found in saccharine movie scripts, but the type steeped in tenderness, friendship, and mutual respect – a pervasive and inclusive love that strung together humanity like pearls on a string, blurring boundaries of origin and language. It was this particular brand of love that I inhaled with every breath in this city, and it visibly manifested in the interactions with its warm and gracious inhabitants.
When the City of Lights illuminated its structures, it became evident that the preservation of old buildings was not solely an homage to architectural heritage but a celebration of history and continuity. The structures that lined the Parisian boulevards stood steadfast, narrating tales of the city’s glorious past like imperious autobiographers. At every corner, gargoyled cathedrals kissed the clouds; renaissance-era townhouses kept a dignified vigil. Amidst this historic grandeur, there was a remarkable unity in design that whispered any changes should only amplify the essence of Paris and never overshadow it.
The serenade of Paris does not end at the marvel of architecture. It continues across the vast canvas of its culinary landscape. From the quintessential croissant’s flaky embrace to a robust Coq au Vin’s hearty congratulations, the Parisian gastronomy offered an epistle of flavors and textures that danced across my palate. Whether the stage was a humble corner bistro or an opulent Michelin-starred establishment, the food perpetuated an enduring love letter, fusing fresh local produce with time-honored recipes. Just as every Parisian does, I succumbed to the food’s tantalizing call—a waltz between attraction, temptation, and joyful surrender.
This inherent love and beauty extended beyond stone and culinary artistry to a thriving beating heart – the city’s pulsing fashion scene. Paris, fashion’s revered matriarch, flashed the hybridization of classic and avant-garde trends. In the nexus of fashion, where chic boutiques mingled with iconic fashion houses, the city conveyed its style story, another poignant chapter of its grand narrative. Consequently, the city’s vibrant fashion ethos invariably threaded through my own styles, subtly shifting and shaping my individual expression.
Returning home, I contemplated the stark contrast between the contours of my homeland and my Parisian experience. Yet, my regular route from the airport bore a newfound exoticism—a trace of Paris that continued to play hide-and-seek in my mind. That journey from Charles de Gaulle to our quaint Parisian abode had morphed into an affectionate memory, rich in color and sentiment. It left an indelible mark on my perception, leading to an unanticipated change in perspective. It was a vivid and eloquent reminder of my invaluable Parisian journey: an adventure that embedded an evolved version of myself.
Experiences shape us, echoing through our lives, subtle yet profound. My sojourn in Paris was one such echoing experience—an epoch unto itself. It was an inspired dalliance with history, love, architecture, food, and fashion – a burst of vibrance that painted my senses in hues of enlightenment and delight. And in the process, I became a willing muse to Paris’s charm.
In every Parisian alley and patisserie, by the Seine and under the distant gaze of the Eiffel, I found a slice of home and a chunk of my unexplored self. The unrestrained Parisian vibe, its innate love and authenticity, presented a mirror, offering introspection and evoking a celebration of self-love that Paris embodied. Thus, the saying echoed true – the City of Love had, in its signature elegant style, endeared itself to this humble traveler.
For more of my Parisian tales and travels, visit my website, www.alegredepilipinas.net. Allow me to take you on a narrative tour through the lanes of Paris that remain close to my heart. Together, we will explore and love Paris, as I have, deeply and indelibly.
FOLLOW HER ON FB: https://www.facebook.com/JanzMomof3/ JANICE ISRAEL DELIMA, CEO of ALEGRE DE PILIPINAS INTERNATIONAL
Published by: Martin De Juan
