My first impressions of Paris.
Paris has always been a city that has represented the epitome of culture, fashion, sophistication, and beauty to me. An idealistic, dreamlike haze has sat over the city in my mind for my entire life. When it came time to finally come here and immerse myself into the culture and fashion classes, I was nervous, ambivalent, and sad to be leaving home. This was not the immediate reaction I was expecting for starting my new adventure in the city I have dreamed about going to my entire life. Upon arrival I felt as if I had made a mistake in coming here and wanted to go home. The overwhelming feeling of being in a brand new place far from all of my friends and family without knowing anyone pushed me so far out of my comfort zone that I forgot that I was finally experiencing something I had dreamed of for so long. Once I became accustomed to my surroundings a little more and also caught up on some sleep, I finally had the right mindset that would allow me to take in the city for what is was.
My first week in Paris has been better than I could have imagined. Even my most idealized versions of Paris from my fantasies as a child couldn’t do this city the justice it deserves when it comes to the beauty I am constantly surrounded by. From my first day here, I knew Paris had to be the most beautiful city I have ever been to. The architecture is breathtaking. Every single building has thousands of years of history behind it which have only made them age as gracefully as you could imagine.
The culture here is such a stark contrast to what I have experienced in both suburban Pennsylvania as well as the city lifestyle of Boston. Taking things slow and enjoying each moment in each day is something that you can almost feel in the air here. From the leisurely walks through the cobblestone streets looking for a boulangerie for a croissant, to the people watching done while sitting outside of a cute cafe while slowly sipping on an Orangina, to idly strolling through countless boutiques looking at all of the gorgeous and unique items that have been so carefully curated, the pace of life moves a little slower allowing you to enjoy every single moment and truly live.
Another aspect of Paris which I love is how deeply fashion is embedded into the history and culture. From classes, to exhibit visits, to walking tours, learning about how strong of a role fashion has played in the history of Paris has only amplified my desire to soak up as much information about the city’s fashion history as I can.
My first impressions of ParisParis has always been a city that has represented the epitome of culture, fashion, sophistication, and beauty to me. An most definitely be coming back. My heart and soul have so comfortably made a new home in this city that a piece of me will always live here. For the coming weeks my one goal is to not take a single second I have in this beautiful city
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