Chambéry

On last week's episode of Parenthood they were waxing lyrical about a place in France called Chambéry, which is in the region of Rhône-Alpes. Despite the fact that I lived in Paris for so long, there are many places in France I have never been, and this is one of them. Looking at the pictures, it is making my mouth water. I want to go!

Pictures were borrowed from here, here and here.

The Seine river

I thought it might be nice to write a little about different parts of Paris! After all, I know the city well, having lived there for a long time. My Paris is not a city of luxury, but it is one of beauty and diversity.

Like so many other cities, Paris was built around a river. The Seine river has got two islands in the middle of it, one of which is called the "Ile de la cité", but way back it was called "Lutèce" and the city actually consisted of this island.

On the island, the very well known Notre Dame cathedral is found. Along the riversides, it is nice to go for a stroll. Especially in summertime, there are so many things happening here! Artists are painting, dancing is organised, and musicians are singing and playing... There are restaurants inside some of the boats, but bringing your own snack here is equally nice!

On the St. Louis island, famous ice cream vendors are selling their italian gelato, and why not have your gelato by the Seine, overlooking the cathedral? When the weather allows it, of course.

Where I live

I realise this may seem exotic to a lot of people... The nature around here is just beautiful!

I do not have a car, so my pictures are just from around town.

This here is the town hall.

 And from a very popular park by the lakeside.

Why I love working out

Working out allows me to enter into a state of mind where I don't really think, I just do. At the best, I am completely focused. When I am in that state of mind, I have the firm belief that it is possible for me to achieve all that I am set on doing, to keep pushing myself just a little bit further. And since I believe it, I am able to do it, most of the time.

I used to hate sports, back in school, when it was mandatory. I had a small voice in my head telling me I was no good at it, and I chose to believe that voice.

You get what I am trying to say here - you just have to believe in it! It is good for working out, and probably for other areas in life, aswell.

My journey

It suddenly dawned on me this morning how much I missed blogging.

I stopped blogging soon after I left Paris. After all, what interesting stories would there be to tell about living in this small town in the north of Sweden? As opposed to living the life of my dreams in the city of light, where all the world comes together, and where beauty and romance is the stuff of new experiences, imagination and a lust for living.

Well, as it turns out - life does go on. And it is still every bit as interesting and challenging. Life itself can be looked upon as a journey!

I'm Jo. Here is my side of the story.

I turned around and headed back to where it all started.