Integrating myself a bit more in the Parisian life is key to creating a life for myself in Paris. Last night, I was invited to a birthday party for a young French philosopher and author by one of my girlfriends. My girlfriend grew up in Paris, lived in Florence for over 10 years, and moved back to Paris last year. We met at a party last year and started seeing each other in June. It’s already a strong relationship since we both lived in two cities (she commuted to Paris every month for five years) and are now adapting to life in Paris.

•  Paris
•  My Heart In Two Places

I am enjoying my time sitting in cafés and writing this weekend. Part of my separateness from others is not by choice and part of it is. I could easily fill my day seeing other people, but I prefer to be alone. Before arriving in Paris, I contemplated staying in Florence this weekend instead, but I knew that it would be better for me to spend some time alone in Paris. I thought it would be good for me to focus on my writing projects. I felt a need to drop down inside of me, listen to my inner voice, and simply write.

•  Writing
•  Paris
•  My Heart In Two Places

This morning I woke up early to enjoy the beginning of my day on the Ile Saint-Louis. Even though the sun was still not up, I was eager to get ready. I smiled when I heard the street cleaners sweeping the streets and sidewalks and the garbage men picking up the trash in the narrow street below my window. I felt comforted by the noise because it reminded me of Florence. Normally, I find Paris rather quiet in the mornings.

•  Writing
•  Florence
•  Paris
•  My Heart In Two Places

It’s interesting how life throws you a curve ball and at first you’re stunned, then you just go with it. I had different plans this weekend, but when I found out that I had to find a place to stay in Paris on Friday night, I decided to treat myself to a nice hotel on Ile Saint-Louis. Many years ago, I had a friend who had an apartment on the île (island). I loved the area and have always dreamed of living in an apartment on the île.

•  Paris
•  My Heart In Two Places

Every day this week, I went out shopping for food and other items at the negozi (shops) I go to around town. After living in Florence for the last eight years, I have come to know a few of them quite well. Shopping and chatting with each one is one of my favorite pastimes when I’m in Florence. I a so happy to see them and it brightens my day when they are happy to see me too.

•  Florence
•  My Heart In Two Places

When I left Paris, I felt a bit melancholy. It’s always difficult for me to leave behind my beau. Living apart isn’t easy on me, but right now it’s the only solution we have. When I arrived in Florence and the tassista (taxi driver) took me through the streets of my beloved city, I wasn’t as happy as usual. I felt even sadder that I was so far away. If I could’ve gotten back on a plane and returned to Paris, I think I would’ve done so.

•  Florence
•  My Heart In Two Places

When I arrived at the Champ de Mars this morning, the men I usually see in yellow fluorescent jackets were gone. They left behind stacks of see-through green trash bags under the trees for pickup. I started off my run as usual with runners along side me and others coming toward me. I always head in the same direction toward the Eiffel Tower, and each time I can’t help but smile.

•  Running
•  Paris
•  My Heart In Two Places

It has been two months since I last ran around the Eiffel Tower. Yesterday morning at 6:45, I arrived at the Champ de Mars, excited to be back in shape and ready to run. I sprained my ankle in June the evening after I last ran at the Champ de Mars. The sun hadn’t yet made it up and the sky was dim as I walked down Avenue de la Motte-Picquet toward the Ecole Militaire. I immediately headed toward the Eiffel Tower, leaving the Ecole Militaire behind me. I felt a surge of joy as I passed under the large, leafy trees on the left side of the large chemin (path). Instead of turning onto the street that passes in front of the Eiffel Tower, I ran to the quai (quay) to go around the Eiffel Tower and see the Trocadéro.

•  Running
•  Paris
•  My Heart In Two Places

The moment I step foot on the plane, I begin my transition to the city I’m flying to. Yesterday I took off for Paris for a couple of weeks. To the stewardess who greeted me at the entrance of the plane, I immediately spoke French, “Bonjour.” It’s one small shift that then puts in motion many others, which tend to occur slowly as I fly over Italy and then France.

•  Language
•  Florence
•  Paris
•  My Heart In Two Places