The end of my journey through France felt like an anticlimax. After so many wonderful experiences to describe the departure days would be an insult. I have never been a fan of spending the last day at a hotel next to an airport when there is so much more that one can see and do before departing.
I will say I got to see Monet's garden one last time amid a drifting fog. Though the place was crowded beyond reason, there was a mystic element to seeing the beautiful spaces and colors surrounded by this mist. Even a walk through local streets once we got to the airport hotel was an opening. I saw people going about their daily lives, playing chess at a cafe. I saw kids going to school, an old couple jabbering away. All this in the shadow of planes coming and going. I suppose it was a lesson that life goes on even while tremendous events happen all around us.
I will say I was never more happy to be home, but in a way I was also sad that I left so much behind.
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Looking back on France a year on, it is difficult for me to put into words everything that I experienced into one sufficient description. So much happened between then and now that is terrible and tragic, and I think back to my first appraisals of Paris and such and think how shallow they were.
There are certain things that stand out: The Mona Lisa, The Eiffel, Notre Dame and the many other cathedrals, the delicious food and kind hospitality at La Excuse, walking through history along Normandy and listening to Reggie talk about his father. All these things I have spoken about at length in my previous blogs, but now that I come to the end I don't know how to conclude. I suppose that is the allure of France, or travel in general; there is always more to see.
Would I go back? I wish I could, but I wonder and worry for France and for Europe. My eyes look West rather than east.
I have seen all the faces of the French and they are entirely a warm and kind people. Despite my reservations of some things, France was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Paris was very overwhelming, and not all parts were great, but the French people have the power to change the problems I saw and I think they eventually will.
On the whole, France is an ancient country that has
survived a turbulent revolution, two world wars and the rise of the European
state. While it suffers now from
financial difficulties, it is rich with cultural treasures that I hope they
will not sell to settle their debts.
France has seen kings and conquerors, people and peasants –
and everyone has the power of that ancient blood. There is a hope for their future generations,
a spark of respect for the past and for the beauty of the present. What happens next I cannot say. As for me, I am content with my younger
country and much older and wiser for my visiting there.
Where will my travels take me next? Well, in March I return to Japan, to that place that always calls to me. I will always treasure what I experienced and wish to do it again. Until I can...
Where will my travels take me next? Well, in March I return to Japan, to that place that always calls to me. I will always treasure what I experienced and wish to do it again. Until I can...
Vive la France.
