I am not the one for vacations. Instead, I like to take two-or-three day trips to clear out the cobwebs of the mind and change up the scenery, just so I recalibrate my world view. And that is why I surprised myself when I took a whole week off. I even left all my computing devices back at home — with the exception of my iPhone, of course — and went to Paris. And boy, did I need that break. 

Paris is one of my favorite cities, even though I don’t speak a single word of French. I love it because I can enjoy the silence that comes with not knowing the language. I love it because I can get lost, and find history at every street corner. I love it because it teaches me a lesson: the weight of one’s past can define one’s future. I love it because I can visit all the artisans who toil away, making beautiful things at a pace that is anathema to our give-it-to-me-now society. I love it because of the food. But most importantly, I love it because I don’t have to talk. Just see, just hear and just be. 

Today, I went back to work, feeling rested and in much better spirits. I caught up with my colleagues, read all the news, mulled on a few blog post ideas and finally got a decent cup of coffee. Paris, I will see you soon. Life, it is good to be back. 

PS: Here are some of the left over photos from my visit to Paris. Enjoy!