Sunday, January 10, 2010

Au Revoir to All That.

The bags are packed, the bank account is closed, champagne has been sipped... it's really time to say goodbye to this adventure we called living abroad.  I must say that 2009 was a year to remember, and while it wasn't often easy to be here in Paris, I'm so very glad we were.

I've been formulating this last post of mine in my head for a few weeks.  So while I know that I won't get everything, I hope that the following covers the things that have been daily loves of mine for the past 12 months.  So, in no particular order, I give you...

THINGS I WILL MISS ABOUT PARIS

The way the special pink of the Paris sunset glints off the dome of Les Invalides.

The smell of baking bread wafting up from the bakery below our apartment.

The coziness of our little place.

My running route over to the Champ de Mars and the Eiffel Tower.

The dogs of Paris.

Walking across the Pont Alexander III in the evening.

Walking across the Pont Solferino to wander the Tuileries.

Macaroons at Laduree.

Oysters and champagne for dinner.

Evening chats at La Marquise.

Dinner at Le 24.

Wandering the Latin Quarter.

Sitting in Les Deux Magots with a glass of wine and a good book...all afternoon.


Walking into any random church in Paris and finding the chapel of St. Joseph.

Looking up.

Taking the #39 Bus to Opera, and passing St. Germain, the River, the Louvre, the Tuileries, the Opera...

Taking friends around town.

Running around town with the friends I've made here.


Shopping at the butcher around the corner and getting teased by him about just how exactly I'm going to make coq au vin.

The saleslady at our neighborhood veggie shop.

Taking the metro up to Montmartre just because.

Arguing with Jon over the proper way to jaywalk.

Killing time at The Bon Marche (especially in the Mercerie and the Grande Epicerie).


The roses in May.

The leaves turning along the Champs Elysees.

Coming out of the metro at Concord and being faced with a view of almost every major Parisian monument.

The lights popping on the evening hours at the Eiffel Tower... and catching a glimpse of that when walking home from a dinner in Montparnasse.

Taking the train.


Walking.  Walking.  Walking.



I could never really do justice to a list about life and love in Paris.  But, the above is my paltry attempt at immortalizing at least a bit of what I found to be the essence of my time here.  I am ready to go back to the States, but while I was here, I was here.  Or at least I tried to be.


So, au revoir to all that- this life of mine as Kate A Broad.  But, the adventure continues Stateside... So, stay tuned.


Until then, this has been the Broad named Kate.  Ciao-ciao, mes amis!!




 

5 comments:

  1. I LOVE your list! I love that I know what you're talking about in many of the bullet points! I LOVE that macarons made the list!

    And, you were DEFINITELY present in Paris while you were there! You have lived an amazing year. I wish I was more like you and was more "here" while we're here.

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  2. You forgot to mention the Eurostar and your frequent trips to London! I'm so happy to have met you and to be able to call you and John my friends. I wish you so much happiness in your next adventure and lots of luck! We'll miss you!!! Love T & Kris

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  3. Katie- I LOVED reading of your adventures and am happy that you are returning home as well. Once you get settled, let me know and maybe we can get together and you can see Addison :)

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  4. Yes! The Dogs! I remember Parisian Dogs having a very unique look!

    Wish we'd been able to spend time with you guys while you were there, but so excited that you are somewhat returning. Wherever the road takes you guys, at least you will be closer!

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  5. I love your list, your spirit and your smile.

    I still can't thank you enough for your hospitality. Flame Couche in Alsace at 2am with Philippe will always be one of my perfect memories with you. I have a bottle I have been saving since our visit. Can't wait to drink it with you!

    xoxoxoxoxox
    cv

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