Autumn Day in Paris

¿How did I ever allow myself to start hating Paris?

Yesterday I woke up and that beautiful, rosy sunlight was streaming through the windows of my one-bedroom appartment. After breakfast and a cup of coffee, I decided against all grumpy and self-loathing judgement to venture out into the city in company of the book I'm currently reading, Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell, by Susan Clarke.

After a little over three years in Paris, I had never been to the Institut du Monde Arabe, so I decided to head over there without further delay. To be honest, I wasn't quite sure if I wanted to end up at the Institut or at La Mosquée, a traditional arab restaurant and hammam where I had never been either.

I had decided to take the bus, and just as I was nearing the bus station, I saw it fly by and had to content myself with a long walk. It was a most fortunate misfortune, since the stroll through the Parisian streets and along the river was just what I needed.

I felt the city breathe around me, bathing in the sun, glowing softly with its own warm aura. I don't know whether God intervened so I missed the bus that morning, or later again when, just like a skilled DJ, he crafted an amazing playlist on my iPod. The thing is, I felt lighter with every step, I felt like I was going somewhere, not just someplace.

I arrived first at the Mosquée cause it was further away, but after taking a look around, I realized it probably wasn't the best place to stay. It was loud and with several families sitting at tables around several courtyards. Though quite beautiful, it felt like a Sunday brunch, hardly the kind of mood I was seeking. Remember, I had taken a book with me and was looking for a quite, relaxing time.

I then headed to the Institut du Monde Arabe. Funny I'd never been there, considering how big and emblematic it is. The restaurant and salon de thé is on the 9th floor, so I took the elevator and as I stepped out, I realized I had come to the right place. The terrace opens up and provides an amazing view of Paris, particularly of Notre Dame and the rive droite.

The buildings all around were basking in sunlight... as if they knew winter will come along soon and they must take advantage of the light and warmth as much as possible before it's shrouded in clouds, rain and snow. The glinting river hugs the city, softly caressing the embankments while the sleepy boats stream along noiselessly.

I am one with the view, I am one with Paris, I am one.... just one. I don't need anybody else but me, I can absorb this and enjoy it all by myself. For a moment, I felt like the mail lady from Paris Je T'aime... I was in love with the city, and for at least one afternoon, the city was in love with me. She courted me, she danced with my shadow and

ruffled my hair, she took me in her bossom and smiled down at me with tenderness.

I then sat out on the terrace and proceeded to order a mint tea (this was also my first time). I sat there like a lizzard in the sun, sipping from my tea and going through my novel, enjoying every word and description of British society and intrigue.

The kettle finally gave out and I decided to go, not without stepping out to the edge of the terrace once more to say goodbye to the leaves on the trees all around Paris. I know they'll be gone soon, and they will be sorely missed.

As I headed back towards rue Quincampoix, where my humble abode is located, I couldn't help but feel inmense joy. Who could have guessed I could find new things to do in Paris, things I would enjoy so much? But I realized that, while Paris had played a huge role that day, it was not just about the city, but my life in general. There are so many things left to do, things to enjoy. I don't know about life after death, but there's definitely life after love. And who knows, perhaps there's love after love?

On my way back, I realized I wasn't the only one prancing under the spell and charm of this beautiful lady. The whole city was out in the streets, alive and living, not just alive. I joined in gratefully and thanked my lucky stars, thanked God for my life, for the memories, for having loved and been loved.

And last but not least, I thanked Paris for allowing me to rise, slowly but surely, from the embers of my charring past. She reminded me that you can always stay home under the covers - which is by all means necessary at times - but all the while, the world awaits you and the sun misses you. Every day spent caged in one's own suffering is a day lost, a day without mint tea, without novels, without trees rocking in the wind, without sunlight glistening on the water, a day without Paris in the autumn.