When I was a teenager, I dreamed of going to Paris. My high school French teacher, Ms. Eleanor Gandy, was patient as her class of poor and low-income teenagers struggled to understand the language and pronounce the poetic sounding words that flowed into one another. Just hearing the tender and exotic language made us swoon and dream of possibilities. We knew Paris was a city synonymous with love, a love we didn’t feel in our segregated city of Memphis.
One day, Ms. Gandy decided to dress in typical Paris fashion. She was a small, fiery, and petite lady. She was one of the first Black students to integrate the University of Memphis, then Memphis State University. They were known as the Memphis State Eight and began classes in 1959. She wanted us to visualize the possibilities of life outside of segregation, life in a city of love and lights. She stood in front of the class wearing a red beret over her small afro, sassy skirt, and a shawl draping over her slender shoulders. She glanced at us under her round glasses to make sure we noticed the full impact of her fashionable dress. Afterwards, she pushed her glasses up and began teaching us the basics of this beautiful yet difficult language. Before retiring, she spent many years teaching French to many inner-city students at various schools.
I got the opportunity to spend twelve days in France this year and thought about the teacher who taught me to love the country, city, and language. Over fifty years since graduating high school, it was a dream come true. I journeyed with a local adventurous travel group to France. Our tour began in Versailles and ended in Paris, the city of love and lights. My heart was filled with so many emotions.
Falling in love is one of life’s greatest pleasures. Paris is a youthful and magical city, but at the same time, it is historic and timeless. The aura of the city is seductive. The city’s decadent food, wine, and fashion make it a destination to indulge in life’s pleasures. Known for its gastronomy, passion, and unique way of life, it gives you a feeling of je ne sais quoi. In addition to love, Paris is known as the first city in the world to have street lighting.
The alive and pulsating city is known to have a long history of passion and unabashed expressions of affection. It also has a long history of secret love affairs, making it the ideal city to be the subject of many novels and films. Many writers and producers found it easy to depict its romantic atmosphere. They were easily inspired by the aura of the city.
As I walked along the narrow tree lined streets with my travel group, I was lost in thought and imagined a romance of my own. It was easy to feel a strong attraction to someone I didn’t know. Surprised by my feelings, I walked in silence.
We passed rivers with beautiful bridges, elegant buildings with large stone facades accented with ornate wrought iron balconies, centuries old cathedrals, enchanting gardens, stunning fountains, and the sweet aromas from the specialty shops. The intoxicating smells of baked goods permeated the air.
The café culture was welcoming. Terraces were packed with tables and chairs just inches apart. Tables with two chairs were positioned facing the street. The intimate setting encouraged patrons to sit closer and enjoy the conversation, food, and beauty of the day. No one seemed to rush. It was clear that moments spent at cafes were meant to be savored.
French people are passionate people, unafraid of expressing affection and proud of their culture. Young girls skipped along the streets. Couples embraced and walked with their arms entwined. They said what they pleased and seemed to think their own thoughts. The laughter from the people was hypnotic. The alluring art seemed to peek at us and smile as we walked.
As we strolled down cobblestone streets, the rhythmic music from nearby cafe’s evoked many other feelings. I found myself drifting into a blissful connection. I have always loved to dance and use this creative art form as a way to enjoy movement and express emotions. It is easy to pour my heart out through movement. I still dance at least three times weekly.
It was impossible not to enjoy the charms of this vibrant city. Paris quickened the pulse of the young and not so young. Forbidden love and romance burned in private passion. The affection felt had the power to ascend all boundaries.
Paris is a place that ignites all the senses. The cuisine has its own love language. The effort that goes into creating the food is clear the moment it teases your lips. Diners are encouraged to appreciate every sip of wine and bite of food.
French language is tender and exotic. Thanks to Ms. Gandy and our excellent tour manager, I was able to understand some of the words and communicated basic greetings. Our tour manager greeted us in French every morning and we responded in French. Communicating with her and native speakers gave me the confidence to try more words.
We took a one hour boat cruise on the Seine River, one of the world’s most iconic rivers. We began at the Eiffel Tower, passed the Lovre Museum and Notre Dame Cathedral. I believe we were lost in thought as we reflected on our time in this enchanting city.
Many romantic landmarks, including The Eiffel Tower are a symbol of love and romance. A city of love can be mysterious, inviting, and alluring. It’s easy to understand why it is the site of many marriage proposals.
On our last night, we dined in the beautiful Madame Brasserie restaurant on the first floor in the Eiffel Tower. Our romantic adventure in the city synonymous with love was ending, but it was a dream that came true!
I believe we forget how to express love. We all yearn for human connections- a quiet presence, a gentle touch. We’re all worthy of love even when we feel broken. Parisian’s seem to understand this. Either that or I’m a hopeless romantic.
Francie Mae. November 24, 2024