The Eiffel Tower stood proudly against the clear blue sky, a breathtaking backdrop to our charming hotel room. From our rooftop terrace, we reveled in the Parisian sunshine, surrounded by iconic grey roofs and red chimney pots. “This is as Parisian as it gets,” I declared to Kent, savoring the moment.
“You know, in all my eight trips to Paris, this is the first time I’ve had a rooftop balcony with such a view,” Kent admitted, his eyes wide with wonder. My initial excitement at showing him around Paris, boasting about my past experiences, had faded. This rooftop terrace was a new adventure, a beautiful discovery. “I still remember my first homestay in Paris back in 2002,” I reminisced, “a cozy apartment in a classic Haussmann-style building. Madame and Monsieur Couturier were so welcoming.” The memory brought a warm smile to my face.
As we waited for room service, which was at least twenty minutes away, Kent retreated to his laptop and camera, while I enjoyed the fresh air on the terrace, letting my hair dry naturally. My mind wandered back to my student days, living on Avenue Ledru-Rollin, just a stone’s throw from Gare de Lyon. Those three months in Paris were a whirlwind of discovery. With French classes ending mid-afternoon, we – all the international students – had ample time to explore the city.
Parisian Adventures: Past and Present
The beauty of being a student in Paris is the freedom to experience it all. From the must-see landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre’s Mona Lisa, and the views from Notre Dame’s towers, to the less touristy gems like Napoleon and Josephine’s Château de Malmaison, the National Archaeology Museum at Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye, and the Grande Mosquée de Paris with its fragrant mint tea and Turkish delights – the city offers a treasure trove of experiences.
My first Parisian sojourn was a whirlwind of discovery. Those three months felt like an eternity, filled with a love for the city that has only deepened over time. My adoration for Paris is profound, so much so that it has drawn me back for seven more visits. A clairvoyant once told me that I was a Parisian in a past life, which seems to explain my profound connection to this city. Over the years, I’ve come to accept that in this lifetime, my time with Paris will be limited, but I am grateful for every moment as a humble tourist.
A Parisian Terrace Shoot
When our room service finally arrived, I offered to help carry the breakfast tray, a chance to brush up on my French. “Bonjour~ Laissez-moi vous aider,” I greeted the waiter with a smile. Kent, who now speaks French naturally with locals, also offered a friendly bonjour. As he took a sip of his coffee, he was already setting up his camera. A Parisian terrace breakfast shoot, a classic cliché? Absolutely! But why not? After all, we were in Paris! And best of all, our room service was complimentary – a little perk I’ll explain in my next post. We savored the beautiful morning, enjoying our breakfast and the magnificent rooftop view.
Reflections on a Parisian Sojourn
Staying in a Parisian loft with a terrace overlooking the Eiffel Tower… could this be the culmination of my Paris sojourns? Perhaps. After three weeks on the road, Kent and I spent the afternoon doing laundry, a mundane but necessary task. My heart, however, felt incredibly at peace. I had achieved more than I ever imagined during my first visit, so every experience from here on out is a bonus. With a tranquil mind, I embraced the city, letting go of the need to check items off a list. I was simply enjoying every moment, my old flame Paris rekindled.
