This is a post that I had originally planned on writing a few weeks from now. As of last night, I feel obliged to bring it forward.
I saw the news as it broke. Start to finish. My heart broke a little bit more with each headline.
You may recall my initial struggles to find my feet in Paris, and all other niggling problems since. I bitched and moaned and vented all about how awful it was adjusting to a city I felt completely alone in.
Since returning home I have realised that I was never once alone in my beautiful new home. Sure it takes some getting used to. Sure their banking system still winds me up.
The French, however, are some of the most beautiful, genuine people I have ever had the fortune to meet.
My friends, some of whom I’ve barely managed a few lines of conversation with, stuck with me from the start. From my very first lecture I was offered help, guidance and friendship.
Now, almost three months in, I have begun to think of Paris as my home. As much as London, Sussex or Durham, Paris is where I belong. Paris is my home.
Paris is a beautiful city with a truly beautiful history. It is a city that far too many people take for granted, myself included. Behind each front door are a hundred front doors with thousands of people living and working behind them every single day. It is not an extension of Disneyland. It is not a series of tourist attractions. It is not run to entertain or offer romance. Paris is a home.
The people I have been lucky enough to spend my days and nights with are true Parisians. They wear stripes and black polo neck jumpers, they talk about philosophy, smoke endless cigarettes and drink their coffee black. They speak incredibly fast French, mainly in slang I don’t understand, and are just brilliant. They are kind and accommodating. Paris is their home.
Just as they reached out to me from the very start, we too must reach out to them in their time of need. I am absolutely heartbroken at the events of last night. More so when I am told stories from inside the walls.
I can only hope that the French stay as strong as ever and that we are able to offer our undying support for them.
They were friends to me when I was in need, and so we will all be a friend to them.
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Eline Punt
Beautiful written and I one hundred percent agree with you. We must help and support them in their time of need, even if it’s hard to help at all in such a tragic event. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone in Paris last night and right now and with the people who have lost their beloved.
Love,
Eline
http://www.elinesreturnticket.blogspot.com
Patti Blue
Such a beautiful post! I was shocked when I heard the news yesterday! It makes me not only feel sad, but also incredibly helpless! What can we do against those terrors? I think the only way is, to stand together and reach out to each other, just like you said!
I hope your friends in Paris are alright!
Patti
http://www.shiftingtales.com
Darcy Victoria
This is so beautifully written and I’m truly so saddened with the events that took place last night. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected. Stay safe
– Darcy Victoria
xxx
Katie Louise
I haven’t been able to put any of my thoughts into words since hearing the news, and this was just written beautifully. We need to stand together as one. I only wish we could do more for them at this moment in time.
Lucy
So lovely to read this – thoughts go out to all in the attacks last night as well. I’m glad you can call Paris your home now as well.
Lucy | http://www.foreverseptemberr.blogspot.co.uk
B Shannon
Beautiful post! So sad and devastating, can’t fathom it at all X
Becky Shannon xx – Life-by-Becky
Georgie Piccaver
It still makes no sense to me. I am truly shocked and feel very sad. A great piece and yes you’re right Paris and indeed France is a beautiful place.