Watching the Golden Globe Awards reminded me of my secret desire to travel the world. Hugo, Midnight in Paris and even WarHorse, unlocking great memories of six days in Paris. Although very much a modern day thinker, I marvel at the accomplishments of our predecessors, their history colorful, violent, diverse and extremely passionate.
On a recent visit to the local movie theater, taking in the new Sherlock Holmes film, the night streets of Paris and the Opera House looking so familiar, my husband leans closer, thinking he is whispering, he utters in a booming voice, "It doesn't really look like that, does it?" At least ten people within earshot either turn around or lean forward trying to observe "the big-mouth". "Yes, from the outside it's pretty much the same!" I whisper. After a very long and extremely audible sigh comes the big "WOW!" followed by even louder, "SHHHHHH!" with the finality of "Hey BIG MOUTH, shut up!"
Scenes from Sherlock, seem to summons, as if by some bizarre incantations, outstanding memories of my train rides while in Paris. The first, just a ten minute excursion into the next village from my home base. A quaint area, but in its infantile stages compared to other French communities. This area, built up because of Disneyland Paris, offers affordable homes, shopping and anything else, making it almost a self-contained mini-city. Food shopping in the mall area, quite the experience, chocked full of numerous products, for every finicky palate that may reside or visit the area. Local produce, meats, bakery and deli items, a visual playground of tasty morsels, while aromas of fresh bread and pastries, delight the senses.
Riding the rails through the french countryside, heading into Paris, the City of Lights, the landscape, very much reminiscent of the ride from New Haven, Connecticut into New York City. Numerous stops at every station, as commuters, shoppers, tourists and everyone else void of a vehicle head for their destinations. As we sit, listening to conversations, unfamiliar to our ears, I am pleasantly surprised I can still pick out bits and pieces of the rapid fire french vocabulary, that is bombarding my brain waves. It is the rise of an unusually haunting but sweet sounding melody, being sung by a petite young woman carrying her tiny child, that my ears pick up on. As many in the train car turn to observe, her voice becomes louder, clearer and even more mysteriously beautiful. It is perfectly pitched, tender to the point of deliberate, my young performer is on a mission! Her young face, naturally beautiful and tender, she sings for money. By the look in her eyes, she appears sincere and as I try to scan the passengers riding with us, many have a hint of sadness on their faces. As the train slowly comes to a stop, few give money, my young performer, with a slight smile of gratitude moves on to "beg" further down the line of train cars, more abundant with new passengers.
We exit the underground train station in mid town Paris. Storm clouds fill the sky, but are a breathe of freshness compared to the darkness of the underground station. As we walk the narrow streets of Paris, the extreme history of the place is evident EVERYWHERE! Tourists seem so easy to spot, their maps in hand, people rush in every direction, I know I am smiling THIS is going to be FUN!
On a recent visit to the local movie theater, taking in the new Sherlock Holmes film, the night streets of Paris and the Opera House looking so familiar, my husband leans closer, thinking he is whispering, he utters in a booming voice, "It doesn't really look like that, does it?" At least ten people within earshot either turn around or lean forward trying to observe "the big-mouth". "Yes, from the outside it's pretty much the same!" I whisper. After a very long and extremely audible sigh comes the big "WOW!" followed by even louder, "SHHHHHH!" with the finality of "Hey BIG MOUTH, shut up!"
Scenes from Sherlock, seem to summons, as if by some bizarre incantations, outstanding memories of my train rides while in Paris. The first, just a ten minute excursion into the next village from my home base. A quaint area, but in its infantile stages compared to other French communities. This area, built up because of Disneyland Paris, offers affordable homes, shopping and anything else, making it almost a self-contained mini-city. Food shopping in the mall area, quite the experience, chocked full of numerous products, for every finicky palate that may reside or visit the area. Local produce, meats, bakery and deli items, a visual playground of tasty morsels, while aromas of fresh bread and pastries, delight the senses.
Riding the rails through the french countryside, heading into Paris, the City of Lights, the landscape, very much reminiscent of the ride from New Haven, Connecticut into New York City. Numerous stops at every station, as commuters, shoppers, tourists and everyone else void of a vehicle head for their destinations. As we sit, listening to conversations, unfamiliar to our ears, I am pleasantly surprised I can still pick out bits and pieces of the rapid fire french vocabulary, that is bombarding my brain waves. It is the rise of an unusually haunting but sweet sounding melody, being sung by a petite young woman carrying her tiny child, that my ears pick up on. As many in the train car turn to observe, her voice becomes louder, clearer and even more mysteriously beautiful. It is perfectly pitched, tender to the point of deliberate, my young performer is on a mission! Her young face, naturally beautiful and tender, she sings for money. By the look in her eyes, she appears sincere and as I try to scan the passengers riding with us, many have a hint of sadness on their faces. As the train slowly comes to a stop, few give money, my young performer, with a slight smile of gratitude moves on to "beg" further down the line of train cars, more abundant with new passengers.
We exit the underground train station in mid town Paris. Storm clouds fill the sky, but are a breathe of freshness compared to the darkness of the underground station. As we walk the narrow streets of Paris, the extreme history of the place is evident EVERYWHERE! Tourists seem so easy to spot, their maps in hand, people rush in every direction, I know I am smiling THIS is going to be FUN!
You were like a small child looking at everything with a sense of wonderment! Of course, there was also that very knowing smirk every time we focused on the same thing at the same time! It was so incredible to have you come visit and to be a part of your first exploration of Paris! You know there will be many more adventures to come!!! :) xoxoxoxo
ReplyDeleteSo much fun! Visions of the little black Jack and that infectious yet devious smile, so cute! Adventures await and excitement builds, Greta times together! Thank you
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