When you mention that you’re going to Paris, the reactions can be surprisingly varied.
Some people might exclaim, “Oh, it’s so beautiful!” Others might rave about the food, “I love the cuisine!” Yet, some may grimace, “The Parisians are so rude… they look down on you.” And then there’s the inevitable, “There are too many tourists.” It’s funny how your first encounter with a place can brand it in your mind forever.
My first visit to Paris was over forty years ago. It was a period of profound change in my life as I left a secure corporate job without a concrete plan for the next chapter. I stayed on the Left Bank in the tiniest hotel room I had ever seen, nestled near the Jardin du Luxembourg, a massive palace with expansive parklands. Traveling alone, I had only a vague idea of spending a few weeks in Paris before exploring Europe for the next three months by train.
At that time, I knew only one person in Paris—a business associate who kindly met me for coffee and shared invaluable insights. But mostly, I navigated the city on my own, armed with my high school French and a French-English dictionary. It was through this independent exploration that I discovered a city of incredible beauty and charm, a city that I grew to love.
Since that first visit, I have returned to Paris six or seven times, often during pivotal moments in my life. Sometimes I visited with romantic partners, once with my sister, another time following my niece’s wedding in western France, a couple of times for business meetings, and just this past year with a dear friend I’ve known almost as long as I’ve known Paris. Each visit, I stayed in different neighborhoods, and each time, I found myself in a different stage of life. Yet, Paris remained fundamentally the same, with only a few enhancements.
Paris is like an old friend because she is always there. She has seen me ecstatic with new love and has been a constant during significant life changes. She never asked me to be anyone other than who I was at the time, and she always had something special to share with me.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Paris is its timelessness. The city’s charm lies in its ability to balance the old and the new, offering a sense of continuity amidst change. Walking along the Seine, admiring the timeless architecture, or sipping coffee at a sidewalk café, I feel a connection to the countless others who have done the same over the centuries. Paris, with its rich history and cultural heritage, invites you to be part of its story.
Paris has a way of nurturing the soul. Its beauty inspires creativity, its history offers perspective, and its culture celebrates the joys of life. Whether wandering through the halls of the Louvre, enjoying boat ride on the Seine to view its many historic buildings, or simply people-watching from a café, Paris provides endless opportunities for reflection and inspiration.
Moreover, Paris has witnessed my personal evolution. She has been there during times of joy and sorrow, excitement and uncertainty. From the exhilaration of new love to the introspection of solitary walks along the Seine, Paris has been a silent witness and a comforting presence. She never judges, only offers her timeless beauty and endless possibilities.
In a way, Paris embodies the essence of what Lifeshiift stands for—finding purpose and adventure in later life. She encourages you to embrace change, to explore new possibilities, and to find joy in the journey. Paris teaches that it’s never too late to rediscover yourself, to find new passions, and to create new memories.
