Regaining my Joie de Vivre in Paris
(Karen Sgambati)
2010 was a wonderful year for me, a year welcomed with open-arms following what had been a challenging year. Life tends to be cyclical, and when you’re facing certain challenges it's easy to become detached from the simple joys of life that surround you. As I waved a grateful goodbye to 2009 and welcomed in the new year, I made a promise to myself to search for my missing joie de vivre.
My journey back to joy began with a sojourn to Paris, a trip filled with anticipation and high hope for restoring my soul and reawakening my senses. I simply love to travel, I believe it possesses curative powers to realign the mind, body and soul. The thought of having Paris to myself made my heart sing and my mind swirl, feelings much like the ones experienced when embarking on a new love affair.
My stay in the City of Lights began by renting a beautiful apartment in the Marais district of town. Located in the 4th arrondissement, “Le Marais” is a vibrant and lively community close to the center of Paris. As I settled in and acquainted myself with the neighborhood, I set out to find a cozy café where I would be welcomed after a long day to unwind with an aperitif or linger over my morning coffee and croissant. I promptly found one; Paris is overflowing with such comfortable respites and visitors are seldom without a touchstone for long.
Much to my delight, I quickly adapted to the cadence of Parisian life and gave my internal clock permission to reset itself to a blissful pace. The weather in early October was resplendent – the perfect marriage of sunny & warm and crisp & clear – ideal weather in which to walk. Walking through Paris is arguably the best way to see it, exploring the nooks and crannies brings forth something new and interesting with every turn.
My vision became pixilated as I witnessed the vibrant colors of autumn peak against the backdrop of the Seine and the twinkling lights of the Eiffel Tower blend into the evening sky. My sense of smell came to life with each passing bistro, as the enticing aromas that danced lightly in the air filled my head with fragrant bubbles. The small, subtle elements of beauty that whisper old-world charm into everyday life became a constant companion. Time seemed to stand still as I sat at a sidewalk café, a glass of Beaujolais in-hand, and watched the world pass by. Paris truly is a sensory experience.
I immersed myself in the cultural treasures Paris has to offer, and spent many an afternoon lingering in its splendid museums where the talent of the impressionists held me captive and the art spoke to me in its silent language. Evenings were filled with luscious restaurants, fabulous concerts and delightful new friends.
The weather turned colder as December approached, a seasonal change that held its own allure. Seeing the promenade at the foot of the Eiffel Tower glistening with a carpet of fresh, white snow is majestic. The Champs Elysee’ was transformed into a winter wonderland, replete with thousands of diamond-like lights, and the smell of Christmas spilled out from the holiday booths that lined the boulevard. I left Paris in late December with a reignited joy in my soul but a newfound sadness in my heart. The time seemed to whisk by with the blink of an eye and I spent much of the flight home contemplating when I would return.
The best gift of this trip however may have been the quiet time of reflection and peace that enveloped me as I quietly made my way through the cobbled streets and fashionable boulevards, feeling a growing sense of hope that was nourished by the heartbeat of this grand city. Parisians really do know how to live their lives with a sense of beauty and the element of joie de vivre… not only do they take the time to stop and smell the roses, they remember to pick up a baguette along the way.
I've created a short video showcasing some of my favorite photos taken during my stay. I hoped to capture a small part of the large personality of this beautiful city. Enjoy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-iNecN21fs
J'aime Paris!
Karen
