I made it back from France in one piece (Dad's words), and oh how good it is to be back. I was only gone for 11 days, but it felt a lot longer. It might have been because this was the first time I was in Paris, and felt homesick.
For the longest time, I called France (Paris) "home"; because it is where I grew up, where I spent the first 16 years of my life. I moved to American 11 years ago, and for the first time, I realized that as much as I wanted Paris to still be my home, Atlanta is now where my heart was.
I had not been there in two years - and this time, I felt it. I felt different there, almost like a stranger? I'm not sure, but I can tell you that there was a different feeling. I forget what it is like to live in a big city, with people walking around everywhere, and the fast paced life they live. I have to admit I felt like I was suffocating at times. I was missing Atlanta, the tree, the outdoors, and that feeling a personal space that I felt did not exist over there.
I'm not sure whether or not it is related - but it was so cold, and so gray all the time, and people just seemed unhappy. No smiles, no friendly faces; just a lot of stressed people who seem angry with life - it made me a little sad.
My dad kept telling me that Paris has always been like that, but that I am just now old enough to realize these things - I guess so?
Of course, I had an amazing time in Paris - who wouldn't? I spent some much needed family time with my grandmother, my uncles/aunts and cousins. I walked around the streets of Paris despite the freezing temperatures and the snow, and I managed to eat amazing foods and do a little bit of shopping :)
I have not gotten the chance to upload all my pictures yet - but I promise I will very soon. I went to work the day after I got back, and between the large amount of work I needed to catch up, and the jet lag, I have not had time to do much. I did decorate our apartment, and put up our Christmas tree (pics coming soon).
I am slowly trying to catch up on all your blog posts, prepare for the holidays, get ready for our month-end close at work, and between all this, I still have a wedding to plan! Can you say busy?!
On an exciting note - I am going to look at wedding dresses with my Mom tonight - I can't wait!!!!
I HOPE YOU HAVE AN AMAZING WEEK!!!!
I'm so glad you had a good time in Paris. It's funny how we look at things much differently than we did when we were younger, isn't it? Those macarons look delicious. I can't wait to see more pictures from your trip! And yay for wedding dress shopping!! xoxo
ReplyDeletei hope you brought back some of those macaroons! :)
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you had a good time! I missed your posts while you were away. So jealous of your macrons. Can't wait to see more pictures!
ReplyDeleteAHHHH the Ladurée macaroons! I die! So good. Just saw your comment on my J.Crew whine-fest of a post, and your email isn't linked to your Blogger profile so I can never reply to your comments. :/
ReplyDeleteI am going to freeze in Paris. I just know it. I am going for work... They have our three days there so packed with events. It's my second time going (I was there in June) and I am so scared about how cold it will be. I think it is SO neat though that you are from there! How did you wind up in Atlanta?? my email is lntereshkow@gmail.com
Those macaroons look amazing. I want to go to Paris.
ReplyDeleteHome is DEFINITELY where the heart is!
ReplyDeleteI just moved back home in Orlando with my parents from school in Alabama for the past 5 years. So comforting to be around all things home sweet home-ish. Hope you are enjoying!!
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Baily XOXO