For the last three months I have spent half my time in Paris and the other half at home in Florence. I am now back in Paris in the middle of my third two-week trip. At the beginning of the year, I would never have imagined that I’d be traveling back and forth to Paris for work. I always thought I would return to Paris some day until I moved to Florence. Even though my home is Florence, Paris holds a very special place in my heart. And, I feel fortunate to be able to come and spend so much time here.
The longer I am in Paris, the more I realize how important it is for me. I don’t know how long my contract in Paris will last, but for now I am enjoying my life between my favorite two cities: Florence and Paris. Each one offers me a different life. In Florence, my time is freer while in Paris, it’s more structured since I have to work in an office every day.
I don’t have much free time in Paris and travel across the city mostly underground, but I try to find a few moments to enjoy it. I used to take the métro that is closer to my apartment, but now I walk a few extra minutes so that I can see more of the city and not just the tall apartment buildings that line the streets.
I walk to the esplanade in front of the Hôtel des Invalides and can see the Alexandre III bridge as well as the Petit and Grand Palais in the distance. I love the walk through the esplanade not only because of the grass and trees, but also because of the sky that is visible without any buildings around.
I have always felt so fortunate with my life in Florence, but I feel that I’m doubly blessed now to enjoy Florence and Paris while dipping into the two different lifestyles and appreciating each one.
Share your comments for this blog post on the Living in Florence's Facebook page. Grazie!