It all Started with a Map

 

Today, I visited the local mall in search of a few things. In an attempt to kill some time I found myself wandering the aisles of one of the stores. There I came across a copy of Let's Go France. And I stopped.

 

Let's Go Paris was the book I used both times I lived in the City of Lights. Seldom did it leave my side. I knew if I opened it I would be able to reminisce. The longing for remembrances of times past got the better of me and I opened the book to the page featuring the map of the 5th and 6th arrondissements.

 

The map was very similar to the one above. Most people would look at it and note the location of the Sorbonne or of the Luxembourg Gardens, maybe the RER stops. But that would be it. I looked at it and saw the location of the foyer where I lived as a 22 year old student in Paris; just across from the Luxembourg Gardens. My favourite breakfast spot in the whole city in the middle of Place Rostand. The butcher around the corner from the Pantheon where my friends and I ordered six roasted chickens so I could celebrate a Canadian Thanksgiving far from home. I saw evenings filled with wine and laughter. Happy moments with friends that are now scattered all over the world. I saw some of the best times of my life.

 

And I was sad.

 

Far from home. Far from Paris. In a city where the boy and I find ourselves alone. I was sad.

 

And so I closed the book, returned it to its shelf, and walked away. Back to my Rocky Mountain existence.

 

 

Yours,

 

A Canadian in Paris