Shit takes time

On television and in movies, people always seem to know exactly what they want. It is a simplified story that is told. We never see people there just lounging around, restless or bored, trying to figure out what on earth to do with themselves.

When someone dies, there is this almost compulsory moment when people are gathering together in a group, and they all share that same look in their eyes, which is sad, but so insightful. There is a sense of ritual, where the moment itself is brimming with emotion - but when it is all over, people just seem to move on with their lifes.

In relationships, characters in movies and series know what they want as well. They will frequently take the person they (secretly) like by surprise, kissing them in the hopes that the person will kiss them back. And the person at the receiving end never seems to feel the need to just pause and ask themselves "what if... or perhaps not?". They either already know how they feel, or they make up their mind, then and there.

Here is what real life is often like: You hesitate, because you don't bloody well know what it is you want. You think that you are ready for a change, and then you wonder if that is really the case. You spend a lot of time pondering the situation. You are someone who wants to be in a relationship, only you are not entirely sure what type of relationship it is that you would want, so you need to figure that out first. You know you will want a serious, committed relationship - probably somewhere way down the line. For now, maybe you would like to just get to know another person. Spend some time, with no rush. But still, not exactly what you would call "casual" either, since that is decidedly not your style.

You wander how the person that you like feels about you. You think that he probably knows exactly what he wants, because that is what movies have led you to believe is normal. He may be shy, but if he was really into you, surely he would have gotten over his shyness by now, right? Could it be he is gay? That would not be the first! You decide to give him more time, but then you grow impatient. You come up with a brave plan, only to discard it an hour later - after all, you are not Miss Crazypants! And shit really does take time, you know that by now.

Also, in real life, when someone you care for dies, it changes you forever. You are shaken to the very core of your being.

Growing takes time.

Crying a river

Because all hope is gone.

Fuck this disease!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"So many tears I've cried
So much pain inside
Baby, it ain't over 'til it's over"

(Lenny Kravitz)

R.I.P.

Pic: here

This song is beautiful

This french rap song makes me weep.

Sans repère means "without point of reference" or "without benchmark". Part of the word repère is père, which means father. In this case, the title of the song is a play with words. The song is about what it is like to grow up with an absent father, a father who drinks.

The song does not lay blame. It just describes the feelings, straight from the heart.

Sadness. Longing.
Disappointment.
Hope.

Sniper.

Pic: here

Street art - Paris 13th

In Paris, art is not just found in the museums! It is everywhere, even out on the streets.
Here, near Bibliothèque François Mitterand.

On the Quai Panhard et Levassor.

Near Bibliothèque François Mitterand.

Near Bibliothèque François Mitterand, on the court yard of what looks to be a condamned building, inhabited by squatters.

At La Butte aux Cailles, a cozy boho neighbourhood, which is definitely worth a visit!

"Such is life, it shall pass!"

At the Square René le Gall, a park where I used to take my son playing.

Paris je t'aime

These are pictures of some of the moments that I cherish, that took place in the city of lights.

 One day, my son and I went to visit the Square Jean XXIII on the Ile de la cité.

Situated in the very centre of Paris, behind the Notre Dame cathedral, it is still rather peaceful.

The fact that the river Seine flows alongside this little park, further adds to its charm.

 

I have long ago lost count of the number of times I have been for a stroll along this avenue... Does it require further presentation? It is, bien sûr, the Champs Elysées. Nearly as famous as the Eiffeltower, is the Arc de Triomphe, situated at the top of the avenue.

I have so many memories from here, night and day... The reason I just had to take out my camera on this particular day, was because of the way that the sun was shining from a blue, cloudless sky.

Every tourist must stop in the middle of the street to take a picture. It is mandatory, or at the very least, appears to be so! :)

Many a cherished parisian memory of mine involves food. And you do not have to visit an expensive four star restaurant to treat yourself à la française. Just stop by any boulangerie to pick up some freshly baked bread to go with your meal, or cheese. For breakfast, get a warm-from-the-oven pain au chocolat, to accompany your coffee.

Feeling sad

I am feeling very sad thinking about the events that have occured over the last few days in my former hometown.

It is a flawed world we are living in. So much pain.

This just brings it closer to home.

Love is stronger than hate

On this day, declared national day of mourning in France, let us light a candle for the freedom of expression.

L'amour plus fort que la haine.

Pic: here

Disneyland Paris

If you are still in touch with your inner child, the holiday season festivities may bring about some warm and fuzzy feelings of magic and joy! On that note, allow me to share with you some of my pics from the happiest place on earth... oh wait -  make that the happiest place in France. ;)

Disneyland Paris is made up of two parks. The Disneyland Park is divided into five areas of different themes: Mainstreet U.S.A., Frontierland, Adventureland, Fantasyland and Discoveryland. My personal favourite is Fantasyland, because of how pretty it is (yes, in fact I am in touch with my inner child!).

Fantasyland, seen from the side.

An Italian ice cream shop.

The classic merry-go-round.

This one is for the younger children! On the It's a small world attraction, you travel onboard a small boat, which takes you through a tunnel...

...and inside it there are pretty dolls that depict different ethnicities and nationalities from all around the globe.

 This is Frontierland....

 ...home of a Mexican fast food restaurant called Fuente del Oro. (Many years ago, I worked in this restaurant. Sadly, when I finally returned there ten years down the line, nobody who used to work there back when, was there any longer!)

This is the princess' castle. It is found at the very centre of the park.

 Adventureland, home of the brave!

Adventureland is the place to go if you want to get away from the crowds. In here, you can lose yourself amongst the adventurous scenic decor.

The pirate's ship.

Inside Discoveryland, the Space Mountain is found. It is a roller coaster that journeys through darkness. Its destination: the moon!

Walt Disney Studios is Disneyland's other park, and one that I am less familiar with, since it did not exist back when I worked for Disneyland. All I can tell you is, you will need to count an extra day in, just to visit this!