Chemotherapy. Just the word sounds like napalm or terrorist. It’s so gross sounding (and feeling from what I’ve been told). Though it’s some of the hardest stuff in the world, I’m grateful for the time I have with my mom right now and the beauty of taking care of her in such an important and meaningful way; just as she does for us.
I’ve just returned from an amazing week in Krakow, Poland. I won’t be able to go into full travel details here per usual, as I’ve been assigned that piece for a mortgage paying publication and they get first dibs, but I can tell you a few general things, first … go.
No huge surprise here, like most eastern European countries, in Poland, the dollar gets you far. The old town section of Krakow (the best part) is built around a central square, so if you start there, you’ll be in excellent shape. Park it at a café, sip coffee with steamed milk and just soak it in. Later in the day, add some sight seeing and prosecco, and by gum, you’ve got a vacation from everyday American life.
The overarching theme I walked away with was taking time and allowing myself the space to just be. For us, this year has been one of twists and turns, and sometimes it has taken me a minute (or months) to integrate them into my life. To take time to fully grasp and appreciate the concept of the life I’ve built filled with close friendship, a supportive and loving family, and creative work that inspires me.
This trip allowed me the space to wander, think, write, and observe. The women in Europe are so chic. You’d never catch one in mom jeans looking haggard. No sir, even on long flights minding children and loads of luggage they still manage to put on mile high heels and lipstick. Affection is displayed quite openly and I found myself nostalgic about romance and those little moments I may not notice in my Atlanta life. It could also be because of the reason we were there … love was in the air.
We made the trek to Poland for a dear friend’s wedding, which was, without question, the nicest wedding I’ve ever attended (and like most people in their thirties, I’ve attended many). Planning my own wedding years ago, I made decisions merely to get them crossed off my list, but here that didn’t appear to be the case, seemingly taking such care in every decision from meal, to reading selection, to wine list. The loveliest ceremony I’ve ever witnessed.
Now, back to my cultural observations about both in being in Europe and being surrounded by mostly Irish and English wedding attendees. It seemed like in this lot, if one were to wear Jimmy Choos it’d be because they are good, quality shoes that’ll last, not because it’s something to boast to friends while sitting in your 5,000 square foot home one payment away from foreclosure.
Nothing seems to be done in an ostentatious way, just sophisticated and full of grace. It’s not about a carat diamond ring; it’s about the sentiment behind it. I could use a lot more weeks of taking notice like that in my life. Seems less about what you have and more about how you take care of it. I’ll take the moments over the material any day.
Still in vacation mode–or as the international crew I’ve just spent the past week with–still on holiday.
I promise to return next week loaded with stories.
I’m off this week for my dear friend’s wedding in Krakow, Poland. I’ll be joined by my love and my twin sister, for what I imagine to be a quick trip loaded with belly laughs, fantastic food and drink, plenty of catching up with old friends, and a much needed change of scenery.
Aż spotkamy się znów … until we meet again.
It’s been said that Paris is a city you can discover over and over again. A place to relearn and return to.
It reminds me of that famous Ernest Hemingway quote:
If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast.
I dream of Paris’s feast.
Until then, we get a glimpse of its charm through my friend Emily’s eyes. She’s made the return, after going in college some years ago. This time though, while in the midst of some life changes, she and a girlfriend bought the tickets on a whim with the hope that the Parisian art, food, and culture would refresh their perspectives—and so they took the ride.
This week’s travel piece is a postcard from the City of Light.
Écouter!
We arrive to find the view from our hotel in the 5th District foreshadows the old yet chic urban beauty we will see for the next several days.
Breakfast our first day leaves nothing to be desired—why don’t my tomato, ham, and cheese omelets come out like this?
We venture out on foot (miles every day!) to “bump” into this view of Notre Dame across the Seine. My travel companion, who has never visited France, finds any American cynicism about the beauty of Paris (not that she had much) is hard to hold on to.
We run into a neighborhood park. The city is indeed “used”—it is so alive. And we are surrounded by public displays of affection, which add to the romance of the architecture, food, and art to be found there.
Just your typical neighborhood boulangerie—or bread and sandwich shop.
The first day we hit the premier shopping area on the Champs Elysees, if only to window shop after waiting in line to get into the original Louis Vuitton to see $20,000 purses.
Subsequent days we hopped le Metro for easy access to everything we wanted to see. Even the sign for the subway is pretty. Behind is the ferris wheel in the Tuilleries (sculpture gardens behind the Louvre).
The Tuilleries—and an oh-so-convenient view down to the Arc de Triomphe too.
Small children push miniature sailboats around the water in the Tuilleries. I had to be dragged away to go look at some incredible art indoors.
Outside the Louvre—a combination of the famous glass pyramids and the enormous classical building surrounding them, housing more great art than you could see in a week.
And don’t be afraid to dangle your toes in the pools on a hot day. Paris takes the concept of a city being “user-friendly” to another level.
Napoleon’s dining room, at the Louvre. The French know how to entertain.
This lovely statue of Psyche and Amour at the Louvre will make you miss your significant other.
My old boyfriend modeled for this. He was kinda outdoorsy, but away too much to make it work.
Enjoying the sunset outside the Louvre while the locals picnic.
A Van Gogh at the Musee D’Orsay. The colors are so vibrant and visceral in person, I get butterflies.
The Rodin Museum is also full of art that makes you sigh.
Dessert the last night, in Montparnasse. Crème brulée the size of my head. Our brief trip was crammed full of sweet things to feed the soul.
