Magnificent Buildings of Paris
Paris is truly a beautiful city. It never ceases to amaze me. Just when you start getting blase about the whole thing; riding the Metro and buses, buying groceries, you know being busy with this thing called Life, it hits me again and I am struck by the elegant buildings and the incredible lights I see everywhere.
Its true when they say Paris is most beautiful at sunset. "Life through rose-colored glasses." It's as if the entire city is bathed in a flattering pinkish hue and it is quite spectacular. Each monument seems to glow as the last of the rays disappear and even the Seine takes on a luminous softness, and when the moonlight hits at precisely the right angle - OOh la la!
As soon as you step outsie onto the streets which snake every which way, it is a curious mix of old and new that greets you at each turn. With each building you pass you marvel at the graceful lines. A few modern buildings like the Pompadou Centre, Opera Bastille and others give a jolt of surprise amidst all the regal splendor of the ornate classical facades that are my favorite and makes Paris so appealing.
To Americans many may seem rather ancient, being built and inhabited when we were just getting started on the other side of the Atlantic. Granted a lot of them could use some much needed repairs and renovations, the 'antiquesness' is not nearly so quaint when you are trying to shower and live around century-old pipes and fittings. But still the novelty will never wear off for me. Of course, I have always loved anything old and antique. I find it unique to live smack in the middle of so much fascinating history.
But the general state of all these unique buidings is suprisingly good. I believe there is a rule in Paris proper that requires all to be cleaned and/or painted roughly every ten years. Once all the traffic's grit and grime has been washed away, the intricate friezes and reliefs sparkle anew. You must admire the talent of the craftmen as they painstackingly took the time to embelllish even the most simple of edifaces. Their inspiration helped give Paris such an extraordinary look and feel. You are constantly surrounded by all that is aesthetically pleasing to the eye and the senses. I find all that artistry inspiring, not that I have many artistic abilities but it still has a way of making you want to do things differently and more beautifully.
I think you will find it the same. You can't help but appreciate the carving and finely-wrought iron gates, the city is packed full of these delights. It draws you in, this beauty, and you begin to relish being a part of the energy that pulses here night and day. And you realize just your being there lends to the charm.
M Moore
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