Chapter 19 Travelogue: Oui La Paris!
Adventures in the city of Finesse !
“Death to the queen, death to the queen," the crowd chanted in Place de la Concorde before queen Marie Antoinette was put on the guillotine. 1787, Paris was boiling. Inspired by the recent American Independence in 1776, this fervor spread vigorously among the Parisians. Every Parisian believed they would fight for greater equality and end monarchy rule. The people were discontent with the monarchic rule and revolted against the inequalities of French society, the corruption of royal officials, and the widespread economic hardship. This desire for freedom enticed the French people. The first revolution led to the end of the monarchy and the creation of new laws for the general assembly. However, the first revolution (1789-1799) lasted only a decade before Napoleon Bonaparte reigned as emperor of France in 1804.
As the modern Olympics take center stage in Paris last month, it is a time of jubilation. We have come a long way from the pandemic, although it has only been three years since the last Olympics. Turmoil is everywhere; feeding on our phones 24/7 constantly reminds us that the world is doomed. There's the war in Ukraine, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and growing anticipation about a possible invasion of Taiwan by China.
In this gloomy picture of realism, however, lies a happier stance: we are living in one of the best times in human history. We have the lowest human casualties from war or disease, and we have made significant strides in longevity, with people living longer and healthier lives. There is a positive outlook everywhere, if not for social media and the 24/7 news cycle, which often make us feel like the world is at its end without going back.
Enough of the discourse on global affairs; let's delve into the heart of my narrative- my recent travel to Paris just before the Olympics. With its reduced crowds, the city exuded a sense of safety that allowed me to immerse myself in its rich art and architecture, creating a truly memorable experience.
It was late in the evening. We had booked the flight a few months ago, and the time had finally come (excited!); it was a late afternoon weekend flight. Our fish, Rob, and Bob, needed their tank cleaned before we stepped onto the plane. It was a family trip for the summer vacation, and we were heading to Paris. The last time I was in France was almost 20 years ago. Reflecting on the nearly 20 years that have passed, now with three kids and 20 years older myself, life has changed so much. Things always change. Nature constantly changes, and how we adapt to it matters.
We boarded the flight to Paris (Pari, as it is called). It is around an 8-hour journey from Washington, D.C. to Paris. The flight was night, and I was supposed to sleep, but I don't usually get any rest on flights. Despite having traveled to more than 40 countries, this always bothers me. During the flight, I tried to finish my blogs halfway through. I tried to doze off as thoughts aligned in the city of love.
Exiting the flight and collecting our luggage, we waited for the Uber. Uber has transformed how we travel around the globe. Having experienced many other global destinations, I appreciate the ease of travel ride-sharing apps like Uber provide in metropolitan cities. French is unique; it doesn't resemble English, which makes it quite appealing for non-French speakers (I started to love it).
We were dropped off at the condo near the Opera House in central Paris. The apartment was small but perfect for us. It was near the central district, close to Museums and other attractions. We arrived at the apartment, and as we were getting hungry, need to check out the places. Most French eateries are called cafes'; yes, cafe means meeting places. Remember the history we talked about earlier? These were sprawling during the French Revolution. They are in every nook and corner. They are mostly coffee places, but you can get quick bites, desserts, and wines; you can get all. That's what Anthony Bourdain says: just immerse yourself into the Parisian, sit at a cafe, enjoy a sip of coffee, and watch people. The French know how to dress up. I am still waiting to see the colors of the fashion statement back home. The French have a touch of finesse in their style and give importance to fashion.
We were hungry and stepped into the little restaurant next to the apartment. It's a cute restaurant with whiskey bottles, small chairs, and a pretty table. It felt like a ratatouille-style mini restaurant, so we squeezed in for a scrumptious early dinner. We found a small bakery with unique delicacies. Who doesn't like croissants? Freshly made chocolate croissants. Aah! That just melts in the mouth. French people have given some of the best through their food and lifestyle.
The next day, we planned a long day; we had a photo shoot for the Eiffel Tower backdrop. It was early morning as we started to Trocadero, one of the best places for the Eiffel Tower. It's worth to it (to check it out while in Paris). Our photographer did a fantastic job, as shown in the pictures below. Once we finished taking the picture, just like many others at the Trocadero, there were many couples, some newly married, etc. It was really eye-opening to see the Eiffel Tower so beautiful. After the pictures, we went to the local cafe for breakfast (cafe again). After having croissants and crepes in the French style, we returned to change the photographic costumes and start the day by touring the city(typical tourist).
After relaxing for a few hours, we started back to the Louvre Museum at around 11 am; as the maddening crowds towards the Louvre, we were part of the madness too; there were public everywhere. Luckily, after standing in line, we made it to the Louvre (one of the largest museums in the world); time was short, and long lines wore us thin because of young kids' patience wearing thin. So, we had to pick a few essential masterpieces. Of course, the Mona Lisa tops the list. Excited to see her again after 20 years. I have changed, but she has not changed (LOL). We strolled around to see paintings; I love Renaissance paintings; I have a thing for them; they all appeal to me, from Michelangelo to Leonardo to Raphael to Hanson.
I can look at the paintings for hours. But my kids can barely stand these bare-bodied pictures. We had to cut short and see the Venus de Milo sculpture, a beautiful sculpture found some 2200 years ago and still beautiful. Also, in the section on Egyptian artifacts, I witnessed the real mummy with the sarcophagus. Absolutely beautiful and inspiring. The way they weaved the body and preserved it is mind-boggling. It was already tiring, tiny legs accompanying, and we had to get out. Unfortunately, the building is so huge it might take days to get just a glimpse of everything there. If you love art and paintings, you need days to go individually and possibly with a guide in the area of interest.
Searching for the exit (Sortie) in the Louvre can be disorienting. Despite feeling close to the outside, visitors are guided towards the museum's center, where they exit through the famous inverted pyramid, a scene made iconic by "The Da Vinci Code" movie.
That evening, just like every other traveler, it was none other than the Eiffel Tower; we had to do it; now it's time to climb on it. We booked the tickets to go on to the tower's second floor. The place was lovely as it was twilight, and I could see the entire Paris. And the glittering light every hour made it much more appealing. The sunsets were absolutely gorgeous. We spent a few hours looking in all directions and taking pictures. I mean lots of photos. The celebrity YouTuber my daughter identified was excited to talk to her and take pictures. What can I say about next-generation stuff? We descended the climb of the tower. The Eiffel Tower was built almost 100 years ago to commemorate the first French Revolution in 1889. Also, the science fair was supposedly only for 20 years, as the Parisians thought it was ugly, but somehow passed a resolution to keep it, and every 7 years, they fully repaired and restored it. But one beautiful piece of mass of steel to the skies.
It is an expensive town. Initially, I was Ubering everywhere, but it was unbelievably expensive as busy tourists like us thronged everywhere. The next day, we checked out the local metro, and to our amazement, it was next to the condo, and the fare was much cheaper and cleaner areas. It also appeared very safe; we used the trains throughout the day and night. Figuring out the train in the language one doesn't know makes it interesting. But help is available if you need it. The train was much more amenable to travel in Paris than Uber. Uber is a luxury, but so is the train. It was a long day that felt like forever as we packed so many things into one day, and the jet lag made us tired.
The next day, it was time to head to Conciergerie and St. Chapelle, the Island of Paris. It is one of the oldest places in the city of France. The Conciergerie is the place where Mary Antoinette was housed for 2 months before she was beheaded at the public square. We have witnessed the beautiful palace with the jail after visiting the St. Chapelle church next to the palace. We strolled around, looking at the stunning architecture. After many centuries, it was preserved and maintained to look beautiful, solid, and exquisite. The same Island houses the Notre Dame, another marvel church that burned 5 years ago. Now, it is being reconstructed and soon to be opened.
Later that evening, the boat cruised on seine during twilight, and this was to appreciate the city more than anything. How it is preserved, and how the architecture is preserved. I especially love history and have been to many countries where these kinds of buildings are unique. Since civilization began, we have built cities around rivers and water basins. Paris is no less; its architecture starts from the islands in the river and continues to the length of the Seine River, giving a spectacular view up and down the river. The beautiful architecture, the Louvre to Musee Dorsey, the Eiffel to Notre Dame, and water access make this city a wonderland. I love the architecture and massive scale, as though it was built to last for 1000 years.
The French Paradox refers to the observation that French people have a relatively low incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD) despite having a diet rich in saturated fats. This phenomenon has intrigued scientists and nutritionists and led to various hypotheses about the factors contributing to this paradox. In my opinion, low stress, high-quality foods in moderation, and high social connections, etc., may lead to the above.
The more time one spends in Paris, the more one falls in love with the city, the French accent, the crepes, cuisines, cafes, fashion, etc. French people are very proud of the achievements they have made in the world. They have finesse in everything they do, and I started to appreciate it more as I became an art lover. The Olympic extravaganza and Eiffel's beauty encapsulate the beauty of modern sporting events. Going to Paris is an experience in itself.
It is time to buy some chocolate croissants and drink coffee from the cafe before heading towards the airport until next time. Like Anthony Bourdain, I will return to sit in the corner cafe, sipping coffee and people-watching.
Oui La Paris!
Amidst the Seine’s gentle flow, where dreams align,
Paris whispers secrets, in a rhythm so divine.
Eiffel's grace, in twilight’s embrace,
Lovers' sighs, in Montmartre’s maze.
Cafés alive with stories untold,
Boulevard strolls where memories unfold.
Art and passion in every street,
A city where every heartbeat is sweet.
Oui, La Paris! In every dawn's light,
A city that dazzles, from day to night.
-Anonymous
Suman Manchireddy MD FACP FHM, Internal Medicine, Leesburg, VA.
Email : Care@ReliantMD.com
Disclaimer: This is purely informational and educational purposes only, seek medical advise prior to starting any testing or treatment regimen. The data presented here is researched extensively and has been condensed for a broader audience.
Lovely family photo. Yes, life is all about making memories.! I have wonderful ones of Paris with family as well. A bientot!