Paris

January 02, 2013

This spring, I had the time of my life in Paris. I went with a very dear friend, and we spent three fabulous days floating down the Seine, eating quiche, and watching the Tower light up at night. It was something I’d dreamed about since I was a little girl. Also, I was a French major in college, and it was fun to actually use my language skills.

Before we left, I had heard many things about the people in Paris. I personally am of the opinion that there are nice people and not-so-nice people everywhere you go. One incident does stick out in my mind, however. My friend and I had gotten lost on our way to the Jardins du Luxembourg. We were looking at a map bewilderedly when a man (a complete stranger to us) came up and offered to show us the way.

My friend started to follow him and, though I did not think it was such a good idea, I began to follow her. We wound our way through the narrow streets for what seemed to be quite a while. She was happily chatting, and I was walking somewhat warily behind. At last we came to the garden, and my friend and I thanked him. He had gone quite a long way out of his way to help us. Then the man wished us well and departed.

Though he was with us for only a short while, the memory of his kindness has stayed with me. I doubt that I will ever forget that special time in Paris or that man, whose name I don’t know, and his random act of goodwill for a couple of lost strangers. If you’d like to read about this fabulous city, here are some titles you might want to try:

Most Beautiful Walk in the World by John Baxter
Paris to the Past by Ina Caro
Paris in Love by Eloisa James
Mission to Paris by Alan Furst
Paris Was Ours by Penelope Rowlands
Lunch in Paris by Elizabeth Bard
We’ve Always Had Paris by Patricia Wells
A Town Like Paris by Bryce Corbett

For more about practicing kindness, the following titles might be helpful:

One Simple Act by Debbie Macomber
Practice Random Acts of Kindness by Conari Press

A bientot! / Till later!

Amy Jo V.
Blue Springs South Branch