Paris is complicated

Why do i always feel compelled to compare?  Paris is entirely unlike New York City, everyone know that, and no one is asking me to choose. 

But New York is my new love and my feelings toward Paris are messy, like a lingering love affair one should really think of ending. Paris is beauty, grandiose beauty everywhere, but it doesn't dazzle me the way New York does anymore.

New York is awesome, gritty, electrically charged and so full of possibilities.  New York is a city that pulsates, and I along with it.  New York wants to sweep me off my feet and carry me along.  New york tells me that everything is possible, and I believe it.  

Paris tells me that the way things are is the way things have always been and will always be.  Part of me wants to challenge it, but part of me is already thinking of the next eclair and says, 'a quoi bon?'  Of course, Paris is so much more tender and gentle to me, but here i slip into a a casual comfort that is just a tad claustrophobic.  I know where things are, i know how they work, I know why I got the hell away.  

Still, in every street i drool guiltily in front of ads for apartments for sale just as i did in New York, imagining the life that could be.

But New York?  Paris?  Who am I kidding.  Neither are mine.  Lets not forget that in a short week I will be in L.A.  Not awful mind you, i have no right to complain, (as Isabelle was right to remind me) but at this point in my life L.A. feels about as thrilling as an arranged marriage.

Comments

[Liberty Post Editor]

You are a demanding and delightful creature. LPxo

[Elizabeth]

Great post! I only lived two years in Paris,and I feel that way between San Francisco and there. Of course you have more history, but I really get how you feel. I think both S.F and Paris hold a special place in my heart(at least I get to go to S.F. everyday if I wanted too). I've been to New York once, and I must say it left me a bit cold. They talk about the people in Paris being mean,but I think that New York is no different.

[my favorite and my best]

i have never been to either so i can draw no sympathy. but i will say that the post was intruiging and i am glad you are writing again.

[Hazel]

I've never been to NY but I think Paris would win. I need to distance myself from North-Americanisms.

[Susan]

Hi Corine...Good to see you. I'm with Hazel about the North Americanisms. I love NYC but I loved it more when it was some place that a real diverse group could live in. As in police, firemen, teachers, they could live there. (I'm talking about Manhattan actually. Not to be a borough-ist about it.) Oh well. Let's just say that you are of two to three minds about it? I'm glad you got to both NYC & Paris this summer. xoxo/Susan

[muralimanohar]

I've only ever been to LA, so I have nothing meaningful to contribute, and will just continue to live vicariously through you. :p

[anne]

Hi Corine, I have never been to America..let alone New York or LA so cannot compare...but I love Paris. My first time was in April this year, yes my 1st time..my second is next week. :-)

I wonder if it was you that told me about the book by Pia...Handmade in Paris....did you know she has a display in the window of WH Smiths Rue du Rivoli...She did a post about it, so I have emailed her, she wants me to see if it is still standing next week,

[m@ry fm'r]

PARIS SERA TOUJOURS PARIS !!
J'adore tes photos et ton blog en general et j'espère un jour pouvoir comparer New York a celle-ci !
petit coucou de DIJON

[Katy Allgeyer aka fishgirl]

Hmmm....peut-etre it's the valley that is like the arranged marriage and downtown LA is a fling on match.com, n'est-ce pas? ;-)
Kisses,
http://fengshuibyfishgirl.com

[Cecile]

Bjr Corine, Si tu es à Paris, je serai heureuse de te voir!!
Cecile

[Vicki Archer]

Don't they say in the long term it is the arranged marriages that are the most successful?? xv

[Cat]

Hey is the deal. You have got to find a way to live in NY for part of the year. Work on that, concentrate on it, make it a goal. It is possible! When you want it/need it that bad it will happen. I know EXACTLY what you mean about LA.
Catherine

[AGirlNamedMe]

Traveling affords us the opportunity to learn so much about what we want for ourselves and it sounds like you are doing just that - figuring it all out.

xoxo

[Peonies and Polaroids]

What a beautifully written post.

I'm pretty sure that everywhere sucks when compared to New York. Even Paris.

[Fifi Flowers]

There is definitely NO comparing LA to New York or Paris... I love my LA but j'adore Paris and New York!!!! I can't wait to get back to both places!!!

[The Consummate Hostess]

I enjoyed reading your thoughts on the two fabulous cities of NYC and Paris. Just discovered your blog and am looking forward to reading more. Enjoy!

[Danette]

Hi Corine, Letting you know that I miss you (your posts) and I hope you are well--working out the dual personality thing ;)
Enjoy the end of the summer, it's been a beautiful one here in LA.
xoxo D

[editor]

i am biased - i love NY!
i really enjoy your insights on paris though, both here and on la belette's blog. you perfectly capture what i sense when i've been in paris, versus l.a./ny.

[Hotels Cagayan de Oro]

Thanks for sharing such great article. You've just inspired me indeed. Long before, I have already been dreaming to be in Paris and visit that lovely place. I have nothing against the two great cities so I would love to be in New York as well.