Paris is an amazing city. There is so much more than the traditional landmarks (Eiffel Tower, Arc of Triumph, Champs Elysees, Sacre Coeur, etc…) I think it is a city that needs to be observed constantly. A lot of people say that it’s a grey place, but for me it’s full of color. You just need to pay attention. The light is special any time of the year, even in winter. Even if the sky is grey, Parisian sunsets have a pink hue. The other day I went to Montmartre. It was late and cold so not a lot of people were there. It was amazing to watch the night fall and see the Parisian lights slowly being lit. It’s good to get lost in Paris. Sometimes walking without a destination is the best way to get to know a city like Paris. There are a lot of interesting houses, corners, textures, people, dogs, views, windows, cafes, etc. to be found. I think even though it’s a small city, there is a lot to be discovered, even for a local.

Paris can be really magical: the smell of the fresh baked bread and crepes, the dog walkers, the fancy brands, the style and class of the Parisian ladies, the politeness of the people, the cafés, all the museums and galleries. Once you accept a couple of things it’s an amazing place to live. Also, you can easily visit other places in Europe.

A perfect day would be sunny. Eating breakfast at my place with the windows open while drinking a cup of locally toasted coffee by Trevor, our coffee guru. Going for a walk around my place, which is the 11th arrondissement. Eating at Chez Janou. Having a picnic with nice wine at Parc des Buttes Chaumont or going to see some shops around Rue St Honore, followed by meeting friends in a bar or a restaurant.

Beauty is everywhere. Good food. Interesting people. Culture and arts. Fashion and style.

The weather. It’s expensive and not so clean. Spaces can be small. Not a lot of good coffee places.

The tourist places are usually the least safe.

Venetia Scott, Hayao Miyazaki, and Glen Luchford.