Paris

I wanted to write a post about the WACAP conference organised by the UNDP in Rotterdam on 24-26 February, which aimed to empower cities and municipalities to fight poverty and social exclusion. And I hope to come back to that theme.
But more importantly (for me), we have just spent a weekend in Paris and that experience took over the space of WACAP in my brain. Paris, mon amour, pour toujours....
I used to study in Paris and had quite a hard time. And I have not gone back there for 6 years. Until last week. The city changed - the restaurant I used to work at is now an artist atelier. Yet the monuments of the city look exactly the same way they did six years ago. Saint Michel, Jardin de Luxembourg, Place de Vosges, Ile Saint Louis....sheer beauty!
There were also a lot of those who did not make use of the numerous Cartier and Lancel stores. Poverty was around before and was there now. Pickpockets have equipped themselves with new tricks. Everyone seemed to be a smoker. There was decadence, shopping and something that vaguely reminded me of good food and art.
An amazing weekend, though.
The experience was quite different from my previous visits to the town. It is strange to think about it, but it was mainly because I was somewhat less broke than on previous encounters with the city of romance, decadence, Serge Gainsbourg, fashion and elegance.
I have an itch to go back, soon again!