Emmy in Paris
On February 2nd, I embarked on an overnight flight destined for Paris. Waking up in the City of Lights has been lifelong dream. As a child, my walls were adorned with a beautifully handwritten French tale of playing dress up and exercising imagination. And a cherished painting of the Eiffel Tower graced the stairway of my youth. Last night, the real Eiffel Tower enchanted me with its luminous display, casting its glow every half hour.
Our inaugural dinner exuded Parisian charm, accentuated by the ambiance and the delectable escargot. Parisian streets, adorned with boulangeries, restaurants, chocolatiers, and pharmacies marked by green crosses, reminiscent of the dispensaries that line Venice Beach, California. Yet, unlike their Californian counterparts, these pharmacies dispense healing remedies, not marijuana, as the latter remains illegal in France.
After a restorative eight-hour slumber, I awoke to the aroma of freshly brewed Nespresso, which means mom is awake. Dressed and invigorated for our first full day, Mom and I walked to Église Saint-Pierre du Gros-Caillou, a Catholic sanctuary.
This past year, I’ve returned to my Catholic roots and reignited my spirituality. Even though the Masse was performed en Francaise, we understood the rituals of saying the Lord’s Prayer, sharing peace, and receiving communion. The congregation was lead by a very handsome, young black priest. His voice echoed along the ambulatory of the church accompanied by the sounds of children running a muck. No matter what country you’re in, children are restless in a church, I remember that feeling. I’m jealous of those children, at least they get to explore a 17th century cathedral completed with wooden confessionals, and all I got was a suburban church with separate seating for new parents and a creepy priest.
Post-service, we retraced our steps to Rue St. Dominique, exploring the local supermarché and boucherie. Our gracious host and dear friend had recommended the chicken, promising a culinary delight. As a poultry connessieur, I bestowed upon the baked chicken a perfect score of 10/10.
