Lost in Paris!

Ever since I visited the city with Summer in November, I've wanted to get lost in Paris--literally and figuratively-- To stop on the steps and watch the people walk by talking, laughing and snapping photographs. Today, as I sit on the steps of Sacre Coeur, I watch them admire the stone walls behind me. What do these walls say?

Throughout this trip, I find myself constantly blogging in my head--trying to capture each moment in words. This morining Maria Isabelle and I sang together in French and English--she correcting me and I her... I love that music in worship is universal.

Even now I sit listening to a man play violin; the Beattles, Let It Be, Memory from Cats and some sort of polka. This is Paris! No wonder it captures the heart and soul so easily. When I decided on this journey, I considered writing a book--me? write a book?! What would I write? But the romanticism of Paris, the people, even the pigeons force words to my hand. No wonder so many artists were inspired here. Is it the language? the sights? the history? What is it about Paris that inspires the mind and heart to write, to compose, to paint??

I don't feel alone in Paris. Though I barely speak the language, I find myself surrounded by so many faces-- Humanity... maybe there is something raw here that does not exist in the states. Something accepting of humanity, of life, of love, of loss... So often in the states, we try to disguise and prolong these things. I want to live each moment to its fullest-- to be captured by sights and sounds around me, aware of our numbered days. I want to love the people around me so much it hurts; to see them as God sees them regardless of language spoken, tone of skin or the place one calls home .

Paris is similar to Boston in some ways. People coming and going unaware of those around them--listening to MP3 players, reading newspapers, minding their own business. Maybe it is about a city. I find a solitude in it that is refreshing. Maybe I am meant to visit cities like Paris, hike mountains, pray in cathedrals, and travel the world! Je ne sais pa! and I don't need to...

Ooh la la! My feet are tired, but my heart is full. I've barely spoken a word all day and it has been wonderful. Now as the sun thinks about setting, I find myself in the Jardin de Luxembourg sitting like any Parisien at the end of a long day's work--soaking up the sun and just watching or reading or talking with friends. I wanted to get lost in Paris and I did...