paris out of love

I think there’s a misconception of Paris as a romantic city

I always say it’s best city to be heartbroken and fall in love in, often within the same 72 hours. The grey skies in the winter and the gradual optimism of the Parisian sun as it flirts its way above the Haussmann apartments does lean itself to the fluctuations of the heart. I need to preface the ‘Young’ heart. It’s a city where you’re offered street flowers where ever you go and such is the branding of the city that is often tourists flock to for their romantic escapes. However, one thing I have learnt since living here is yes, a glass of red wine with a stranger (many strangers sometimes at the same time, oh the French..) and a stroll across the seine could be romantic. But the real romance is found in the anomaly of finding a community of expats who support each other. The feeling of unclogging your drain alone for the first time. Of stating your place in a packed metro and being respected. Of finding your first French speaking job in a city of natives. None of this could be ‘seen’ as romantic. But the feeling you get when you finally feel like you truly belong somewhere is something of… self love. A deep sense of pride and appreciation that only comes with tackling one of the hardest but most fulfilling cities to live in.

And so I think Paris, it’s time for a rebrand.