3 Things I Miss

… About Paris. They say that after being gone for a while you start appreciating things you didn’t before. I guess that’s only half-true in my case since I’ve always loved these things about Paris but maybe never really knew just how much until every time I have left the city behind. Paris is an absolutely beautiful place, but trust me, you need some time apart every now and then if you call this place home (just like in any other healthy relationship, right?). There are plenty of things to love about Paris, and many things you find yourself missing after being gone for a while…

HAVE A SEAT

I never really noticed how Paris has benches spread out along many of the city’s roads and streets until I left. It was when I was in New York and found myself desperately searching for a bench to enjoy my juice on before continuing my walk, that I realised that I couldn’t find any (unless I ventured towards a little park somewhere) and how Paris has spoiled me with its “have a seat, relax, take in the view, don’t rush, enjoy”-kind-of-attitude. Which I absolutely love. And which I haven’t been able to find in that many other places…

Bon Appétit

This is almost too obvious. How could you not miss the French cuisine? I know, I know. It’s almost ridiculous to include this one but I will anyway, because I miss it. So. Much. as soon as I’m not in Paris. What is it that I miss so much, you ask? Let’s start with the bread. Oh, the bread. Again, something that you’ll realise just how much you’ll love after living in Paris for a while. The cheese is right up there with the bread. I was never much of a cheese person before, but Paris changed this. Now I crave cheese on a regular basis. With bread of course. And don’t even get me started on the croissant, pain au chocolat (no, they’re not the same in other places) and a crispy, sugary palmier.

Parks, Parks, Parks!

One of my favourite things about Paris is the city’s parks. Full stop. They are gorgeous, there are many of them and they’re all immaculately well kept. Flowers change according to the season, there are fountain, little stands and chairs spread out everywhere. Again this “have a seat, relax, take in the view, don’t rush, enjoy”-kind-of-attitude comes alive and I love it so, so much. I never realised how many parks there are in Paris, and how lucky people are to have nature in so many places of a city. I wish I could find this in other cities as well, but trust me, no one does parks like Paris.

…Yeah, I know, I did say “3 things” but I’m adding another one in here because it’s one of the most important ones. I could probably list another 10 things right here while I’m at it, but let’s at least try to keep it as close to three as we can!

Oh, the Parisian Terraces…

As I am writing this, Parisian cafés, terraces and restaurants remain closed for guests to sit down and this breaks my heart so very much. I, of course, understand that this is being done for safety precautions but I just really hope that all the little places will survive these trying times. Because really, what would Paris be without these cafés and terraces? It’s something you won’t find to the same extent in any other place on this planet and one of my absolute favourite things about the city. I love that it’s not huge chains on every corner but rather small, indented cafés that offers everything from chocolat chaud and coffee to wine and French fries. If these places disappear, a part of Paris’ spirit, and the magical thing that makes this city what it is, will die with them. I am really crossing my fingers for things to get better soon so that these places can live on forever. Because no one does terraces like Paris.