So, sadly, this is my last post of my trip to Paris.
I feel like I just arrived and yet at the same time, it seems like I have been here for such a long time. A truly outstanding city, breathtakingly beautiful, so vibrant and complex. I will certainly miss being here, but now that I know my way around, somewhat, I certainly won’t hesitate to jump on a plane and return when I have another chance.
I have been helped out by so many on these streets as I have wandered around looking for my way. Perhaps, the map in hand and the deer in the headlights look gave me away!?
All the same, to have someone offer their help instead of just passing me by was so welcome. Learning to receive others’ “gifts” instead of just relying solely on myself certainly takes some doing for me at times, and in traveling, there can be a bit of hesitation and withdrawing.
Everyone I have met during my stay here in Paris has been so genuinely concerned and compassionate. And this has not only been with me, but I’ve witnessed numerous random acts of kindness and chivalry, especially by the police and those soldiers I’ve seen, who patrol the streets in 3’s since the terrorist attack.
I have often listened to the stereotypes and heard that in coming to Paris, the people here are rude. I am so thrilled to say that this was far from my experience, and I will be glad to let others know how amazing Paris has been (for me).
I think it’s time for a new image to be presented of this city. It’s easy to find rude people anywhere, and yet, even easier to find the good in others, if this is what one chooses to focus on.
Even though it has only been a week here, it has been such a life changing trip for me. So many lessons I have learned about myself and others. I have such a renewed faith in the goodness of others.
For my last day, I chose to walk and see where I ended up. It was one incredible stroll. I headed up Canal St. Martin again. It was such a beautiful warm day, the sun was out and so was everyone, it seemed. Lots of cafes open, with families hanging out along the river, with its amusement parks, rental boats moving up and down the canal, people out on their houseboats along the shores.
As I walked, it got a bit more industrial and the neighbourhoods were not as well kept, let’s say! I continued thinking I would eventually find a street on the map which I would recognize and then head back towards more familiar landmarks. This didn’t happen!
As a single woman in this neighbourhood, there were times I was a bit skeptical about why I sometimes tend to push my own limits, yet something seemed to draw me onwards - passed the bridge underpasses where young men were clapping and dancing to their own rhythms, witnessing the crowd of proud Muslim men who were laying out their prayer mats in the parking lot of an auto shop for afternoon reflection, through throngs of friends standing on the street corners laughing and then stopping their conversation as I went by. It was a bit intimidating, but they were very respectful. There were a few men who didn’t say anything, but seemed instead, to make the sound of sucking food through their teeth as I passed.
What is that about!?! Not sure, but I’ll pretend it was a worthy compliment. I was going to offer a toothpick but...!! Just a thought!
The more I walked, the more I appreciated that I had continued to be able to see a different side of Paris with the outdoor markets, kids at play, and see perhaps a more real side of this great city beyond the tourist traps.
I've come to rely on my instincts a lot especially when I travel and so I whispered a bit of a prayer of my own for help in guiding me back “home", and not even five minutes went by when a real Gentleman approached me to ask (in French) if I was okay.
When I let down my guard and asked if he could point me to the nearest metro station, he not only gave me directions but offered his arm to me and we walked arm in arm until we arrived at the station.
Thank goodness he came along, because I had walked to the northern edge of Paris, and this was the final station of the metro.
It totally reaffirmed to me that angels do exist! It's easy to get caught up in my pride at times, thinking I know the way when I'm utterly at wits end and lost beyond belief.
I've come to rely on my instincts a lot especially when I travel and so I whispered a bit of a prayer of my own for help in guiding me back “home", and not even five minutes went by when a real Gentleman approached me to ask (in French) if I was okay.
When I let down my guard and asked if he could point me to the nearest metro station, he not only gave me directions but offered his arm to me and we walked arm in arm until we arrived at the station.
Thank goodness he came along, because I had walked to the northern edge of Paris, and this was the final station of the metro.
It totally reaffirmed to me that angels do exist! It's easy to get caught up in my pride at times, thinking I know the way when I'm utterly at wits end and lost beyond belief.
I do know that I now have a greater trust and a deeper sense of confidence in myself as a result of this trip and that’s more than enough to satisfy my curiosity. At least for now!
Thank you everyone for reading. I love being able to share my adventures with you. I trust all of you are doing great. Look forward to being in touch with you as I settle in at home.
Au Revoir...avec amour!
Salut, Jae
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