Paris is the dream city. I have never been to a city quite like Paris. When I visited London, I was convinced it was the best city of all time. But, as I discovered a couple of weeks ago, even London cannot compare to the pure, blinding brilliance of Paris. I think I have fallen in love.
Paris is magical, exciting, inspiring, moving, and so much more. From the creperies to the Champs Elysees, from the metro to the gardens of Versailles, from the Ile de la Cite to the Eiffel Tower, Paris has everything. It is a shining image, a reflection of the beauty and significance of life and love. Every moment we spent there had an element of this – whether it was the stunning architecture in Montmartre or the intricately wonderful room of stained glass in Sainte-Chappelle, the narrow, winding staircases in cafes or the speech-stealing panorama of Paris from Sacre-Coeur. Hearing all the Parisiens speaking French was music to my ears, and I never got tired of deciphering a French menu or trying out some French of my own. However, one feature of Paris stands out from the rest. Nothing can beat the pure magic and wonder experienced on a nighttime cruise on the River Seine.
On our fourth night in Paris, we took a Lyft to the River Seine, hoping to get last minute tickets to an hour-long cruise. The ticket booth was on hold, and lines winded up out onto the sidewalks. Those already with tickets waited past the metal ticket gates. We took turns sitting on the curb while we stood stagnate in the line. As a cruise boat cruised into the port, everyone rushed to attention. The line started flowing, every person jostling and pushing to try to board the next boat in time. Our family was a tad too late, and so we became the beginning of the new line. As we waited for the next cruise ship, we discussed theories on the best places to sit – after all, we were basically getting first pick. We decided the second row of the balcony in the middle. When the next ship pulled in, we rushed on, claiming our seats and then realizing we were the only ones in that area. Turns out, the best area of the ship is in the front, where no heads block your view. Whoops. Either way, the cruise was magnificent.
As soon as the cruise took off (and even as we waited to go), we were surrounded by beauty – overwhelmed, drowning, swimming in beauty (remember, that’s the thing about Paris – it’s always vibrant). We caught the sunset, and the warm pinks, oranges, and yellows accentuated the pearly white buildings lining the Seine. Frequently we passed under elegant and carefully-sculpted bridges, often times lined with quaint black lamp posts or designs done in gold. The enthusiasm in the air infected everyone with the unbreakable urge to photograph the dusk from every angle. I myself felt like a drooling dog, dumbstruck, tongue slipping out and eyes feverishly riveted on a world of treats and dreams. As we cruised, we passed many landmarks glowing with grandeur in the sunset. Notre Dame, even in its disrepair, stood strong, an impressive silhouette in the light greenish blue sky. The sky itself, too, was a sight to behold. Pink, orange, yellow, green, and blue, all soft and warm to the eyes, faded into one another, delicately bringing on the dark blue night. As the gothic-style buildings began darkening in shadows, the crown jewel of Paris began to shine. The Eiffel Tower, in its uniqueness and height, in its beauty and charisma, lit up in a blink of golden lights. Now, the sun was quick to fall, but as the night loomed closer, Paris’s star shined brighter. Before, I had questioned why the Eiffel Tower was such a popular French icon, but in witnessing its splendor and magic, I understood. One could not escape the excitement flooding the air; the Eiffel Tower rips up our anchors, and we are brought to our knees, moved nearly to tears, by the sight of incomprehensible beauty. Is it hope, is it freedom, is it joy, is it the culmination of human delight? Maybe it is the history of something great, or of many small moments.
Okay, that was kind of weird and abstract. I guess some emotions are really difficult to explain. Anyway, I think everyone in our family was touched by the boat ride, if only to feel it was pretty. In that moment, I know I was content.
Hello! I'm Potter. I am 13 years old and I LOVE anything and everything to do with Harry Potter. I'm a Ravenclaw, and I really enjoy school, especially math, language arts, and history. In my free time (or anytime I’m not doing something), I'm a voracious reader. Anything from fantasy to historical fiction and everything in between. In addition, I'm passionate about acting, singing, and dancing. I can’t WAIT to explore Europe, and try new things with a smile on my face!