Dear Paris,
This recent trip was the second time I visited you and unlike in March, walking your streets in late November was a no-no for me. There was no snow yet and there was no autumn breeze. Instead, there was a lot of rain, harsh coldness, and grey skies. However, I’m judging you based off of only 5 days of being there. The great thing was that you made me thankful for a lot of things.
I am thankful for having spent Thanksgiving day in the 15th arrondissement with two friends and my daughter. We had a very French feast. Our main course was pasta with some charcuterie, different types of cheeses and a baguette. It was so yummy.
I am thankful for stuffing my face every morning with croissants, baguettes, and pain au chocolat. Oh and let me not forget about sipping hot chocolate every minute I had the chance to. There’s a story behind the hot chocolate. I had tasted the best hot chocolate in Marrakech and we were on a mission to find the next best thing. The hot chocolate hunting ended with a thick fudgy hot chocolate at an Italian café next to Les Halles. We still didn’t find the best chocolat chaud.
I am thankful for the bright cold nights looking for warm and cute cafés to have une boisson chaude.
I am thankful for having my daughter next to me. The best moment was having a mom and daughter breakfast at the bistro down the block. Just to see my three year old being exposed to a new culture and actually accepting it by eating a baguette with hot chocolate put a smile on my face.
I am thankful for having chosen to take time off and spend more quality time with Magdalene. I have no regrets since I see how necessary it was.
Above all, I am thankful you gave me a new perspective on my home in New York City. I like your cloudy skies but I can use some more New York sunshine. Oh and I missed the hearty breakfasts from the United States.
Sincerement,
Desiree
