Am I a romantic?
When Johnny Depp answered this very same question, he simply said: “I watched Wuthering Heights fifteen times!”
Well, I only watched Wuthering Heights three times, I guess that makes me a romantic too?!!!
So, speaking of… I have many romantic moments in my memory and one has a lot to do with La Seine…
In 2002 I enrolled at France Langue in Paris for a several weeks’ French language course, and during this period of time I home stayed with a Parisian family, who hardly spoke any English at all.
One day, a young Parisian man spotted me in Gare de Lyon – the metro station which took me to my language school and home, he soon asked me out on a date.
My first date with François – the young guy from the station – was a Sunday picnic by La Seine.
Between François and I, we brought some cheese; a baguette; grapes; sandwiches and a bottle of wine. We strolled along La Seine until the tourists were fading away.
‘How far do we have to go?’ I asked.
“There’s a nice spot I know of if we keep walking.” He assured me.
As we found his perfect spot on the riverbank and facing a picturesque view, I thought ‘That’s the benefit of dating a local right there!’ And soon I realized that we had become one of those ‘romantic couples’ I had seen countless times on cruise rides. We were now the love birds, enjoying the sun bathing and kissing on the riverbank – it’s one of the scenes of Paris.
In between our light conversation, François tucked his head beneath my hat’s wide brim to steal kisses from me.
After a long picnic, we began strolling back along the river until we reached a place where people danced on the riverbank.
‘Wow~ Look at that!’ They seemed to be enjoying themselves very much!
“Port Saint-Bernard, every summer people dance here!” François told me.
We didn’t join them as they all seemed too close and too experienced. Instead, we went somewhere nearby where we could hear the music and had our own secluded dance under a tree. (Yes, really. We danced.)
The feelings I experienced that afternoon; I am still searching for the right words to describe. All I can say is that my senses were over loaded.., from being in Paris; the view of La Seine; the French wine; the French kiss; the dancing by the riverside, and simply being able to truly indulge in Parisian life; not just another tourist wondering around the Louvre…
All these emotions joining together and wrapping up into a huge ball of joy. The joy was so overwhelming that I felt I could not contain it within…..
Whenever I shared this experience with friends (mostly females), I used ‘romantic’ to describe how I felt, although it was more than just romantic, but I guess it’s as close as I get!
Today I realize that not only did François give me an unforgettable date by La Seine; he gave me a memory to be treasured which can never be recreated.
Many years have passed and many trips back to Paris… Don’t ask me why but you can always spot me strolling along La Seine wearing my wide brimmed hat…..
For Bastille Day, I’d like to dedicate this ‘When In Paris’ series to France! santé~
Self portrait with the collaboration of A.K.
vivalaViv 
Gurrrrl you’re gorgeous, love your wide brimmed hat and that vibrant yellow bag!
Thank you Keishaw! So nice to hear it from you! :-*
Awww…you’re very welcome dear!
Love the hat as it will protect you from the sun and the bag is cute too! 🙂
Thank you Stephanie. Yes, the wide brimmed hat is great for sun protection, especially during summer. 🙂
Beautiful story, and you looking gorgeous! And yes, I would definitely say you are a romantic, just from reading your words since I discovered your blog. 🙂
Awww… That’s very sweet of you to say that Cara! :-*
Dates in the City Of Love and Light are unsurpassable! (Until you are ushered off the grass in Les Jardins des Tuileries..or any jardins for that matter ..the French and their damn grass rules! ) anyhoooo …Félicitations cherie! X xx
Hahaha.., ma chérie Bianca, you are so funny and so right!! X X X
What a wonderful memory!
🙂
Let them eat cake – Viva Bastille Day
😀
You look fabulous ! Enjoy Paris !
Thanks Nelly! I’m in Sydney right now.
A wide-brimmed hat is exactly the accessory I picture for Paris!
I’m glad to hear that we have the same picture! 🙂
Hi Viv, Did the chapter of this story end as pretty as the picture? 🙂
Haha~ Good question Margie. 😉 All I can say is that the journey itself is just as important as the ending.
What a fabulous outfit! Love your hat!
Thank you! X
Romantic city, especially when a story is attached. 🙂 Love your bag!
Thank you Inese. I guess a beautiful place without a story is just another postcard. My mustard yellow bag had brighten up my days in Paris! 🙂
You are right, and the bag is gorgeous for sure! 🙂
Gorgeous outfit ❤
Have a nice weekend!
Kisses Marina
http://fashiontipp.com
Thank you Marina. You too; enjoy your weekend! X X
Ah what a lovely memory.
Yes indeed. X
What a wonderful story! It’s so romantic, You are really inspiring me to travel to Paris with your great posts! X
Thank you Katie, I’m so happy to hear that! 🙂
Nice lady 👌, you look great with that HAT!!!
http://hersilea.wordpress.com
Thank you Hersilia! X
That hat suits you very well! What a pity you haven’t seen François back along the river, Seine….
Thank you!
Well, like the famous quote from the movie Casablanca – “We’ll always have Paris.” I guess François and I will always have La Seine…..
lovely colours and the story is entertaining too 🙂
Thank you Heath. I’m delighted to hear it from you! 🙂
This is an sunny outfit!
Yes indeed!
Beautyful hat – Beautyful woman
Thank you. I’m flattered!
Je lis vos pages … assiégée par la jalousie 🙂
🙂
So lovely and romantic story. The hat really suits you.
Please check my blog I will truly appreciate it!
debyoncelife.wordpress.com
Thank you for your feedback! I checked out your blog; you write well and pick some interesting topics! Keep up with the good work!
Classic and gorgeous!!!!
Thank you! X
Fabulous outfit! Love the colours and the skirt!
Thank you Magny. They are bright & happy colours aren’t they?!!! X
yes they are, beautiful and positive !!
I Love it!
🙂
What a lovely story! I don’t just love your wide brimmed hat, I love the way you embrace life. To be able to come back to a place and experience all these feelings again it’s the definition of happiness to me.
Sara XO
Thank you for your lovely comment Sara. Same as you, I’m a dreamer and a romantic!! Sending you love from Sydney. X X