I Have Two Loves:
Paris and Manhattan—two cities that have captured the hearts of dreamers, wanderers, and urban enthusiasts alike. One, a reality I lived and breathed for fifteen bustling years; the other, a passionate affair confined to the realm of imagination, sparked by tales, films, and way too many croissants….preferably dipped in a cappuccino or filled with chocolate. So here I stand, caught between two worlds—a tangible love affair with Manhattan and a whimsical, unrequited romance with Paris. How does one navigate such an affair?
Dreams of the City of Light:
Cobblestone streets are kissed by the soft glow of streetlights as the aroma of freshly baked baguettes mingles with the sounds of accordion melodies in Paris—the city of love, art, and croissants. We know I love a good croissant.
Your Eiffel Tower stands tall as a symbol of allure and romance that beckons like a siren’s call. Your Seine River whispers tales of timeless romance, your Louvre Museum holds the key to artistic wonders, and Montmartre sings of artistic rebellion and passion.
You, the city of Hemingway’s escapades and Fitzgerald’s soirées have woven yourself into the fabric of imagination, a place where reality intertwines with fiction in a beautiful dance.
Living in the Concrete Jungle:
And yet, dear Manhattan, you hold your own special place in my heart. The city that never sleeps, you are just like a demanding partner, always beckoning with your bright lights, iconic skyline, and an energy that’s both intoxicating and exhausting.
From the bohemian chic of Greenwich Village to the dazzling lights of Times Square, you’ve been my tangible love affair, a bustling metropolis that became a part of my daily existence. Your skyscrapers reach for the heavens as yellow cabs dart by like frenzied fireflies below.
I can never forget memories of late-night escapades, Broadway shows, meetings with strangers and friends or strangers who become friends, and the perpetual quest for the perfect slice of pizza. These fond memories are forever etched in my urban soul.
Manhattan is Beautiful. Paris is My Pretty Dream:
Lyrics that vibrated eloquently from the vocal pipes of the late, great Josephine Baker as she sang J’ai Deux Amours. It’s a song very close to my heart.
Speaking of hearts, I confess, that my heart has been a traitorous wanderer, divided between a city I’ve intimately loved to hate and hated to love and another I’ve only dared to dream about.
Whether it’s the bustling streets of New York or the whispered promises of Parisian charm, my heart belongs to both cities, each captivating me with an enchanting embrace.
Cheers to the imaginary romances, the unexplored streets, and the magic that happens when two cities, real or imagined, collide in the heart of a dreamer.
