Paris Was Ours

When you think Paris, you think the most romantic city in the world, or the Eiffel tower, or romantic walks along the seine.  For me, Paris is all that and lots more.  I love Paris and so do at least 32 other people.

 I recently started reading “Paris Was Ours” by Penelope Rowland.  The book compiles a collection of tales and memories written by 32 authors that live in Paris and call it their home or once visited the City of Light and fell in love.  Whether they returned after their first visit, or moved there permanently, they all share one thing with me, they love Paris.

 In Rowland’s compilation, some stories are touching tales of young dreamers from around the world that are drawn to Paris by romance or a chance to start over.  Some of the stories even leave you a little heartbroken.  The city weaves through the fabric of each of the selections as not only a backdrop, but as character itself that can leave you inspired or desperate. 

 Each of the different stories, that make up the book, highlights a different aspect of Paris that makes it such an attractive city.  The architecture, the fashion, the weather, the food (and drink) and the people all make for a perfect place to watch the world go fashionably by, or be part of it if you so choose.  I remember while on my first trip to Paris, I almost fell down when I saw the Eiffel Tower for the first time.  I was looking up and almost tripped (Okay, I actually tripped).  What can I say, I was in awe.  For the 10 days I was there, I continued to be impressed as I walked through many of the neighborhoods, seeing the cafés, the sites, the bars and the stores that draw millions of people there each year.  Just writing about it now draws me right back in.

 Among my Paris paraphernalia (including two replica Eiffel towers, framed pictures of the sites I’ve seen, 5 cans of tea from Marriage Frères, Dyptique candles etc.) are many books written about the famous City of Light.  “Paris Was Ours” is a book for people who have already gone to Paris and are perhaps curious about how others may see the city differently.  It’s for the insiders who know where to find Shakespeare and Company or savor the fine food, teas and coffees at Fauchon (don’t miss the wine cellar under the shop in Place de la Madeleine) and will smile when they read about them in this book.

 If you love travel, or are curious about Paris, pick up this book.  Let me know what you think on Facebook or leave a comment right here.

 Have you ever been to Paris or do you have a place that makes you smile when you think about it?