Bon Vivant

Lots of cheese, wine and of course, chocolate! Medieval towns, museums, winter resorts. Panoramic train rides, boat rides along the Swiss Riviera, lots of beautiful scenery.. Switzerland is a photographer's dream. It's like living in a postcard!

I've been to Paris a few times in the past, and I've always thought it was a beautiful city. How could you not admire it? Your heart would have to be made of stone if it doesn't touch a romantic nerve at some point, amidst all the beauty and culture that surrounds you. You would have to be blind not to marvel at all the treasures that greet your eyes whichever way you look. It would take a lot not to be touched, in some way, by Paris.

I don't know how it is for most people though, but I always have this need to find a unique connection to every place I visit. Places to me, are like people. I have to get to know them in some unique way, I have to pick out one thing about them that I can take with me, a connection that's uniquely ours. Otherwise, that place to me, is just an encyclopedia entry. A picture in a guidebook. A random place on a map. Beautiful yes, but impersonal nonetheless.

I've always known Paris was beautiful, no question about that. But the first few times I visited, I've found myself asking this question, who are you to me, Paris?

I went back to Paris in January and was excited at the thought that this time, I can do something different. I was done with all the touristy stuff (although they will forever be beautiful to me), now was the time to explore back alleys, hidden gardens, secret coves, little known stories. And I was glad I did. Biking around Paris was an absolute joy and allowed me to get to know the city a little better. Lots of history, architecture, great food and excellent wine.. We biked our way through the back streets of Paris, stopped for coffee in little out-of-the-way cafes, discovered secret gardens and ancient structures, heard stories not found in most guidebooks.. it's the non-touristy side of Paris, and it's the Paris I love.

There are places that are beautiful when you're there, but once you leave, the effect leaves with you. You forget and the connection breaks just like that. There are some places though, that stay in your heart for life, that you carry every day like a longing and an unfulfilled dream. That's how Paris is to me, after this trip. We've forged a friendship that I know will last a lifetime. And everyday, in my heart, I think : I can't wait to go back.