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Paris is probably the most cliché-ridden city in the world. Wine, cigarettes, lights, nights by the river, street musicians... you know what I'm talking about. And as someone fully aware of her helpless romantic self, I have to admit - I'm a sucker for these things. And Parisians - they're not ashamed of their tendencies either.
This summer, I was fortunate to be invited to a wedding in South of France. So, my husband and I decided to make a road trip out of it - from Paris to Nice. We spent the most time in Paris, of course, and it was well worth it.
The thing I probably enjoyed the most during this trip was the slow(er) lifestyle of the Parisians. Coming from Silicon Valley, where how busy you are determines your worth, it was such a nice break to get away to a place where taking it slow is considered a virtue.
During my short stay in Paris, I got way too used to the afternoon breaks in the park, glasses of wine with each meal, and 9pm dinners than I should have. But I can tell you, the ending to this newly acquainted lifestyle came too quickly, and it was a bitter return to the busy office and hundreds of e-mails.
There was a period in my life when I dreamed of moving to Paris and living a "free" life. It was a place of escape for me, and I still feel that sentiment from time to time. I'm sure the locals' lives are not always about picnics and wine. I'm sure they also have bills to pay, jobs to go to every morning, and relationship drama. But how they still maintain to keep it so stylish and cool, I don't know. And that's something I'll always admire about Parisians.
Summer in Paris is brutal in many ways. The miserable heatwave, ridiculous amounts of tourists (myself included), and the occasional showers that get you soaking wet. But the summer nights by the river or Eiffel Tower, complete with a $5 bottle of wine, make life feel like a dream.
'Til next time, my summer night's dream.