My heart is being tugged in three ways at once these days. A lot is already behind me: people whom I've seen for the last time; metro rides I won't make again; tears held back or wiped dry; experiences that have been documented, put in a box, and filed away. Then there's the planning for what lies ahead: appointments with doctors, dentists, painters, and home renovation contractors; reconnecting with professional contacts and friends; re-establishing accounts for gas, electricity, water, homeowner's and car insurance, cell phones, and Internet service. The present feels a bit like no man's land where I'm vacillating between trying to stay focused on Paris and already feeling a bit disconnected and at loose ends. Part of me wants to spend all day wandering the neighborhoods, soaking it all in for as long as possible. But another part is saying enough already and just wants to go home and take a nap.
But since naps make boring blogs, here instead are some things that caught my eye this week.
Rooftops at sunset and in the morning light.
A leggy, impossibly tall model posing for a photographer in the 7th.
A chandelier that can only be described as fabulous.
Views of the Seine and the Eiffel Tower from the pont de la Concorde.
Creatively designed window bars in the 18th.
7 comments:
Sniff, sniff. I've been through that no man's land so many times, and it is not easy. I'm so glad you are still enjoying your days and taking notice of life around you, and sharing your beautiful photos. Thanks!
A piece of my heart breaks when I read your blog knowing you will be moving back to the states...not a bad thing but different. After staying in Paris for 10 days I become addicted to the lifestyle. I love reading your blogs and hope you continue to write about your walks and share your pictures and update us on the new and different life. I would like to think we always take the good things with us and incorporate them in our everyday life no matter where we live. Moving is hard work!!! UGH!
How I understand you. I remember our last weeks in Paris before we moved to Seattle, 15 years ago, leaving all our relatives, friends, and colleagues behind. You describe this experience very well. It did feel as if we were in a "no man's land." We were leaving our French life behind, and about to embark on our great American adventure. You are doing it the other way, going back home after a 4-year experience in a foreign country. Best of luck to you during the move and infamous "re-entry" process. I will be traveling around Europe while you fly home. A bientot, Anne. I have so enjoyed reading your posts. Stay in touch and start blogging some more once you are settled down, will you? Veronique aka French Girl in Seattle
My heart is in my throat for you. Long goodbyes are so difficult, aren't they? I hope you are able to do more of the savoring and less of the detaching during these last few days.
Of course, you can't sleep for the next two weeks so you can soak in everything.
No, I always hate that when people try to cram everything into the last day of a vacation, the end of someone's life. You have lived well and enjoyed Paris. There's no need to cram in anything.
An anxiety attack creeps in when I think of ever leaving Paris so I can only imagine how torn you must feel. Take it all in, the Paris sunsets are unlike any other!
Hi Anne, I've been following your blog for some time and have found it so interesting. This post really hit home for me as I'm feeling the same but with the opposite move. My husband and I are moving from NYC to Paris at the end of August and I too feel that the present is a "no-man's land." I'm waiting to resign, excited about finding our new neighborhood, apartment, settling in, etc. all while trying to soak in my last new york moments but find it difficult to stay focused on each day.
i hope the adjustment back to life in DC goes well!
best, kristen
ps- thank you for posted in paris, it will be a life saver when we make the move!
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