Night Lights In Paris

Strolling around Paris in the late evening was beyond beautiful, but what grasped my attention most was the mere number of people chatting, laughing, eating, and having a grand time together. The narrow alleyways were home to mini cafes and restaurants, perfect to grab a quick dinner with friends, family, coworkers, or a significant other. Trying to navigate through the tight spaces and zig-zagging around tables was a breath of fresh air compared to life in the United States. The city was very much alive and the energy given off by the inhabitants is enough to put a smile on anybody's face regardless of how long the workday may have been. Immersing myself in the crowd of people, I felt alive and accepted into a new community. The ambiance and overall atmosphere of the night are unlike anything back home. With every corner turned, a new smell would lure us towards its cafe. We were always looking at people's plates to see what caught our eye before choosing a spot to grab a quick bite to eat. After finding a nice place to eat for the night, we chatted and ate under the Paris lights. I found myself staring in disbelief at my watch which displayed 10:00 PM even though there was plenty of light outdoors. While walking home, it was refreshing to see the large number of remaining people still enjoying a light meal at this time of night. Even getting back to the apartment, you could still hear individuals laughing and having a jolly time. This may not be a fair assumption, but it seems this may be a regular occurrence for Parisians. Back home, most people find themselves working late into the night or being so exhausted at the end of the day that they don't have the energy to go immerse themselves in their community during the evenings. It was a privilege to watch the city evolve during different stages of the day and discover that it truly never sleeps. I will never forget this experience and will always appreciate the power of community and the vibrance/energy that comes along with it.

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