Paris, we need to talk

I just had my one-month anniversary with Paris. Perhaps we are still supposed to be in the honeymoon period, but that has not stopped me from some critical reflection. My reflections have included: Paris overwhelms me with so much to do, Paris amazes me, Paris makes me feel lonely, Paris shocks me, Paris doesn’t know me, I am not letting Paris in, I am trying too hard to let Paris in, Paris allows me to explore, Paris helps me be comfortable with myself alone, Paris isn’t what I thought it would be, I don’t know how to feel about Paris. It is so strange to feel angsty about the most renowned city in the world. I am peeling back its layers and it keeps on giving to me; for some reason I am searching for more. Maybe it’s the only child in me, maybe it’s that I only thought about the positives before arriving here, since I only had 10 days at home and reflection on studying abroad didn’t fit into my Blackbird coffee dates. Nonetheless, Paris is undoubtedly incredible at the same time. I have been quite spoiled by everything, ranging from viewing the stain glass windows of Saint Chappelle, trying the most famous hot chocolate in the world, seeing a view of almost the whole city while at Sacre Coeur, hiding under uncomfortable giggles while in the eroticism museum, buying wine for 2 Euros and promenading through Versailles for free on a Sunday morning. Wow, I should never complain. I do really like Paris, and I am loving improving my French, but I do miss home, whether that is my parents, Claremont, my friends, Bainbridge, Sparky, Grandma, CMC parities, Los Angeles, the sun, salads or just all of the above. But, perhaps Valentines Day will boost my intimacy with my new lover, Paris.