It seems this is my current view of Paris. I bet you’re thinking “No, that can’t be right.” But it is. And I can tell you I have never seen so many men with pointy shoes just to prove it!
Truth is, I’ve been feeling frustrated by my lack of hypothetical Eiffel Tower sitings. I’m in the this beautiful city full of life, art, magic, fluffy puppies and rainbows too. But so far, I’ve only skimmed the surface in between my repetitive metro•boulot•dodo routine, and so soon!
In case you’re new to Paris, the Eiffel Tower is not located on little white rectangles outlined in black. I can’t seem to find fresh baguettes, open markets or plentiful aperitifs on these spreadsheets either. Of course, this is reality. I’m working (interning to be exact). C’est la vie, right? But how I miss the excitement of experiencing Paris. I want my joie de vivre!
I think many working professionals struggle with the balance between work and life outside of work, and it doesn’t matter if you’re working in Paris or Small Town USA. Sometimes we feel as if we are hitting the pavement. No worries though, this sensation should not be considered the end of the world. Rather, think of it as a major AFLO. What’s an AFLO? Well, it’s a little life lesson someone once gave me. You know, Another Fudging Learning Opportunity. Something in your life needs some tweaking, and this is the moment the universe decides to make you feel the desperation for change. Gee, thanks Universe. Just what I needed! But I’d like a rain check and a one-way ticket out of here.
As for me and my AFLO, I think it’s trying to remind me that living in Paris is not like the Eiffel Tower: a grand gesture. Same goes for anywhere else in the world. Rather, it’s enjoying the little pleasures that gives life that je ne sais quoi. Maybe instead of wasting an hour and a half eating a sandwich from the Daily Monop, I should run into Hermès and pretend I’m redoing my entire wardrobe. Even exploring the various streets in the area or diving into a new book would help me feel I am putting my seemingly dormant brain power to a greater use. Perhaps I should allow for more detours on my way home. There is this flower shop I have been dying to visit, or this boulangerie boasting Paris’ best bread. And a paper store I’ve been dying to visit.
Next time life seems to be throwing you a new one, remember it’s just another AFLO.
Can you remember your last AFLO? What are ways you incorporate the simple pleasures into your daily life?
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
When I am done work or school at times I treat myself to a nice glass of wine and make myself a delicious dinner which incorporates a trip to my local bakery for some freshly baked bread.
You just have to remember that you are in Paris, and although work may keep you from the perks of living in Paris for a short while, at the end of the day you can take the time to visit the Eiffel Tower or head to the Shakespeare Co. book store to preoccupy your mind.
The Eiffel Tower wasn’t widely accepted by the French at first but it took living with it during their daily lives for them to appreciate it – perhaps days like this is what you need to appreciate Paris life like a Parisienne and it does seem like your hunger for the Paris life screams much more loudly at the moment.
Hope this makes sense!
The Wanderfull Traveler
I think you’re right – so while I don’t mind the learning experience, I’m anxious to turn it around. Going out after work is particularly challenging for me but I’m working on having things to venture out and see before heading straight home. Even a glass of wine at a local bistro can help break the monotonous. I’m working on finding the perfect balance here in Paris – I am getting tired of walking in circles each day and look forward to the weekend with a vengeance.
Loved this post, it’s SO true!
Thanks, love!
Just found your blog this morning. What a treat. I will live vicariously through your experiences until I can get back there myself. Be sure and take the time to stop in those paper and flower shops on your way home. Some day you will wish you had. I look back on so many of my photographs taken there and ask myself WHY I never stepped inside. Sometimes I think my camera rules too much!
Bon dimanche,
V
Hey Virginia! I know what you mean! Longing to experience Paris, I’ve spent the entire weekend thus far wandering about and darting into very store that I cared to. Paper stores, bookstores, florists, shoes, interior decor, art galleries… you name it! It’s been a great weekend and precisely what I needed! Do you have plans to make it back soon?
Stephanie,
Janvier’12 I hope. Perhaps we can meet for coffee or vin! I have many friends and blog friends in paris now and would love to meet you as well.
I look forward to spending more time on your blog. Paris…….j’adore!
V
That would be fun! Keep in touch and perhaps it’ll work out!
I think I’m having an AFLO today actually…thanks for the reminder! By the way-LOVE the idea of popping into Hermes for fun…do it!
I just found this post and it is EXACTLY how I am feeling! This has been a frustrating week of commute, work, commute, home – the lovely weather just outside the office doesn’t help! I hope you are fitting in some exploring here and there… I am trying to fit in a few after work walks with a camera so I don’t burn out, how do you do it?!