Thinking Allowed: Springtime in Paris

When Aurora was four and we lived in Fontainebleau, we were within commuting distance to Paris. While Aurora loved our life in Fontainebleau, she was entirely unimpressed with Paris. I ended up going a few times on school days because her enthusiasm for the city was so low. She claimed it was too loud and it smelled bad. And it was loud and often did smell bad! Still, it is Paris. But I have since learned that Aurora was not alone in her feelings, and an entire syndrome - Paris Syndrome - has been named after the let down of real Paris compared to mythical Paris.

When the cheapest flight to Europe took us through Paris, I felt it would be a shame not to spend a few days in the iconic city. Time for Aurora to see Paris as more than a noisy smelly city. I am glad to report that 17 year old Aurora was much more able to enjoy Paris for the great things it has to offer. After weeks of winter it was a real pleasure to join Parisians in the springtime parks hangout. We played, lounged and ate in various sunny grassy parks. We basked in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower, we explored the Louvre, we wandered the gardens of the Rodin museum, we slept in late (mostly due to jetlag though rather than late nights out), we saw the rebuilt Notre Dame, we explored the undercity sewage system, and of course we walked and walked. I liked that on the same day my children could marvel enthusiastically at both the rats we found underground and the Mona Lisa. Paris is just that - the marvel of the utterly mundane juxtaposed with the impressive.

Eating in Paris

This was built to be easily dismantled. Initially many Parisians found it offensive. After its 20 years was up the city decided to keep it standing as it served a role in radio telegraphy. And now its still here.