You can take the girl out of Britain but you can't take the British out of the girl!

The countdown is on, the clock is ticking and the days are passing faster that I would hope. Everything is becoming real and today the first realisation of what is to unfold hit me. I am beginning to understand that Brits are born with a feeling, a sentiment, an understanding so strong and inherent that until it is called upon we are not even sure we possess it. This is called 'a stiff upper lip'. Of course, we feel emotions fully, but we are conditioned, not by nurture and training, but by genetics, to not fully explore and understand these sentiments but rather meekly acknowledge and brush over them, presenting a rigid outer layer. Much like the way us Brits politely shake a strangers hand instead of engaging in a more tactile European greeting, we touch upon our inner thoughts and emotions but never fully welcome them into ourselves fully. Perhaps I should welcome my 'stiff upper lip' and be thankful that I can part without tears, tantrums and over-exaggerated displays of feeling. However, maybe I should learn a lesson from our more accommodating and passionate Europeans, and engage and delight in a new found emotional reaction that is more real; more authentic.

Mood- Curious (with a wavering 'stiff upper lip')

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Reality/ Ordinary

Its not everyday that a person comes along who opens up the world to you in a new light, revealing the beauty of the mundane, the potential in the forgotten and the magic in the ordinary. When simple things become enchanting a new perspective is born and new possibilities are founded. It is in fact the unveiling of a new world, through fresh and untainted eyes.

Something so simple becomes deeply entrenched in unknown and exciting meanings, a familiar situation becomes enchanting and enticing and ordinary things become something to pay attention to, worth noticing and enjoying. Moments take on a greater meaning and life becomes significant.

This perspective is refreshing and illuminating and it is, I believe, a good perspective to have.

Mood - At peace

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Taking the plunge

I should probably make it clear that I am not yet in Paris. Rather, I am in the process of organising my year in Paris and part of this has been venturing, nervously, into the daunting world of blogging. In many senses blogging, for me, is infinitely more difficult and terrifying that actually venturing to Paris itself. However, I have decided to take the plunge by masquerading as a person with something vaguely interesting, unique and profound to say over the next year. I don't pretend however to be a writer, instead I am simply someone who has something to say. And so, with these intentions......I begin, 

I plan to outline my year in the unknown, in one of the most beautiful, historic, timeless, romantic and intriguing cities in the world. I hope to be sucked into a world of culture, art, music, good food, friendship and love. I have always envisaged myself as being instantaneously transformed in Paris into a sophisticated woman with good taste, intellect and knowledge. However, so far in life I have stumbled along and therefore I don't pretend that my experience in France will be any different. But, I do hope that during my brief spell in Paris I will become immersed in every aspect of Parisian life and culture and in some respects, if not all, become the girl in the films, springing along the Seine, enlightened by the amazing city around her. 

I plan to find the best restaurants, the prettiest shady spots in parks, the tastiest ice creams, the most unique boutiques, authentic markets, hidden alleys, fine wine, dingy jazz clubs, the friendliest locals, the quirky museums, the unknown historical locations and most importantly, I hope to find myself. 

It is with these desires that I commence my Parisian adventure. 

Mood- Optimistic

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