Exams in Process...

I managed to write and perform my final "farewell to Paris" speech yesterday, about an hour before class started, making me the Queen of procrastination! When I practiced it for Caroline right before leaving, I started crying! And then laughing because obviously Caroline made fun of me for crying - and told me under no circumstances was I allowed to cry when I did it for the class....

It is quite a tear-jerker if you ask me! Since I KNOW you are just sitting there wondering what I said, I will post it for your enjoyment. Though it is a bit lengthy, and I'm warning you...grab the tissues before you proceed!

I'm got to keep studying for my architecture exam in exactly 2 hours! ahhhhh Wish me bon chance!


"Farewell to Paris"

Today, I would like to tell you a love story…

A love story more moving Napoleon & Josephine, more tragic than Romeo & Juliet!
Yet slightly less known…
It’s about a young girl, and a city called Paris.

Her obsession began at an early age. Loving Brie at 7, and starting French lessons at 10, which she continued until age 18 – when she finally arrived for the first time in the city she had studied and dreamed of for years.

Her every dream came true in Paris. The Eiffel tower gave her chills, the musee d’orsay nearly made her cry, and her first nutella crepe was love at first bite. She was very much in love - and Paris loved her back! For rarely had it met someone so enthralled with its beauty, so excited to walk its streets, and so devoted to trying each and every one of its pastries!

Sadly, the girl had to leave when her week was up. But she thought of Paris everyday they were apart, and it missed her too.

She returned 2 years later, and things got serious between them. They spent morning, afternoon, and night together, and Paris truly had stolen her heart. But like the time before, her days were numbered – and she had to leave…. Not sure when she would return again! The girl was heartbroken because she could not imagine her life without the city…..

(dramatic pause)

Well, the girl in the story is me. And I have truly fallen in LOVE with Paris.

People say as you live in a place like Paris the glamour slowly wares off….
That your big eyes get smaller…
That eventually croissants are no longer appetizing….
And that the Eiffel tower becomes just another part of the skyline…

But This is SIMPLY NOT true for me!
I still walk around, eyes wide and jaw dropped, with EVERY STEP.
Just looking at a boulangerie makes my mouth water, and I cannot see the Eiffel Tower without stopping and STARRING as the chills spread over my body and my heart melts like butter on a warm baguette.

While I will miss everything about Paris, I need to say goodbye to a few things are especially close to my heart…..

So... Goodbye to:

-The Marais
How nice it was to walk home through a sea of men, and never have to worry about being approached or followed! Rue Rosier – I still feel dishonest for paying only 5 euro for the best falafel I’ve ever eaten.

-Opera
I spent so many afternoons, and SO many euros – shopping your beautiful streets! I will miss admiring the ceiling in Galleries Lafayette, and no ballet will ever compare to seeing Giselle at Opera Garnier

-The Musees
Who knew that “History of Art Student” was equivalent to “celebrity” inside your walls?
I will miss Room 16 of the Musee D’Orsay and the stunning sight of Winged Victory, everyday.

-2 Euro bottles of Wine. And being old enough to buy them!
Merlot, Chardonny, Rose – je t’aime!

-Macarons
You have made me so happy… You are the most perfect 2 bite dessert in the world, and don’t let anyone EVER tell you otherwise.

-The Seine
Thank you for letting me sit on your bank, drinking wine, and eating cheese while admiring the beautiful city built around you. I love you in the rain or shine.

And lastly…
to the Eiffel Tower……
I remember the day we first met. The young girl that I was, running towards you with a buttery croissant from Polaine in my hand, unable to speak because you took my breath away…. My feelings have not changed since. You still make my heartbeat fast, send chills up my spine, and when you sparkle it brings me to tears. Your beauty is unparalleled – and I will think of you, EVERY day of my life, until we meet again.

4months in Paris….
19 Museums
43 bottles of wine
37 baguettes
5 lbs!
Only God knows how many macarons…

It all equals out what I will always remember as the BEST time of my life. And surely a love story, that will stand the test of time.

The End.