The last time I was in Paris, it rained. When it didn’t rain, it threatened to. This was in October, so leaves were starting to fall from trees, and that added a sense of forlornness to my visit. Each morning, I stepped out from my hotel on the Left Bank just off the Boulevard St. Germain into a dull gray morning. The sky hung low, the color of graphite, and it seemed just as heavy. The air was cool and dense. But I wasn’t disappointed. In fact, the opposite. After a shot of bitter espresso, I was ready to go.
I loved this piece as I spent one of my more romantic evenings walking through Paris in a summer drizzle. Having spent the summer with my room mate the summer after graduating college traveling through Europe on a $5 dollar a day plan with a Eurail Pass, we were connecting through Paris on a return trip home. We connected with two Hungarian gentleman who just happened to want to spend some time walking the streets with two American chicks, sipping some wine and snacking on a baguette and cheese. As we boarded our train, a sweet kiss and au revoir and a memory I shall never forget!
Beautiful writing and a great selection of pictures. Pot-au-feu is my absolute favorite dish in winter.
Do you know Francis Carco’s poem, « il pleut »? Your description of the noisy streets in the rain resonates with his. Hopefully you will get at least one day of rain when you next visit.
Your essay brilliantly evoked favorite memories of my Paris stay. I can smell the dampness and feel the heavy air. My memories of Paris are in B/W! Loved this piece down to my damp shoes, Richard. Thank you!!!!!
Such a lyrical, impressionist essay, delightfully accompanied by those B&W photos. Anyone who can venture out to find beauty on a rainy day is open to life.
Still, I hope your "April in Paris" shows you some color and sunshine, too.
I loved this piece as I spent one of my more romantic evenings walking through Paris in a summer drizzle. Having spent the summer with my room mate the summer after graduating college traveling through Europe on a $5 dollar a day plan with a Eurail Pass, we were connecting through Paris on a return trip home. We connected with two Hungarian gentleman who just happened to want to spend some time walking the streets with two American chicks, sipping some wine and snacking on a baguette and cheese. As we boarded our train, a sweet kiss and au revoir and a memory I shall never forget!
Beautiful writing and a great selection of pictures. Pot-au-feu is my absolute favorite dish in winter.
Do you know Francis Carco’s poem, « il pleut »? Your description of the noisy streets in the rain resonates with his. Hopefully you will get at least one day of rain when you next visit.
Lovely. And now I must go to Paris. Or, I have I just been?
Bien sûr!
Your essay brilliantly evoked favorite memories of my Paris stay. I can smell the dampness and feel the heavy air. My memories of Paris are in B/W! Loved this piece down to my damp shoes, Richard. Thank you!!!!!
I, for one (for another?), love walking in the rain. Thanks for that.
Beautiful! And so true. Makes me wonder if that Paris is still there--but it is in your prose, Richard. Thank you!
Thanks to you, I just had my morning coffee in Paris. xox
Such a lyrical, impressionist essay, delightfully accompanied by those B&W photos. Anyone who can venture out to find beauty on a rainy day is open to life.
Still, I hope your "April in Paris" shows you some color and sunshine, too.