First Day
A letter of Petit Paris 01
Hi, Hi! “ How are you today?… I was wondering what I should write for my first letter, then I remembered, it could be a good idea to share with you some of my ‘Behind The Scene’ stories, when I wrote my first ebook series ~ Petit Paris. Paris was the chosen destination, probably due to a quote I’ve read, even though I am not young anymore.
If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a movable feast. ~Ernest Hemingway, A Moveable Feast
* Walk with me *
It’s almost 0600 when I arrived at Charles de Gaulle Airport. I'm a bit forgetful and directionally challenged. After 13 hours in the air and landing, I needed an extra hour to find my way out of the airport to meet my hotel driver. Sorry for the delay, Cary. Although it’s only mid-October, the air was chilly; when we drove off from the highway into the street...so quiet in the dark, everyone was in their sweet dreams right now (it was not totally true when I discovered something later ). Sparkling traffic lamps, red & green, here & there; decorated by scattered yellowish spots from shops or cars... "Midnight in Paris" was the film in my head. Wherever our car stopped, I kept staring at the far end of the alley or the street corner, wondering if that mysterious car or person from the 1920s would appear in front of me......I love this city instantly, in my twilight zone! Cary was so nice that she drove me through Cour Carrée of The Louvre for a quick glance before arriving at the hotel...I’d love to treat it as my first gift received in Paris, merci. Truly speaking, I did or at least should feel tired, and the check-in time was 1400, as scheduled, I had to stay outside for 5 hours, but...I did receive my second gift, early checked in at 1100, hurray! How about the third gift? I shared with you already Pont Neuf...fresh air, breeze from the Seine; warmth by the beautiful sun & rich aroma of my double espresso, be my guest :) I chose Pont Neuf (1e: Les Halles) to stay because of its walkable distance to most of my favourite spots, to collect my museum pass from the Office de Tourisme de Paris, I’ve already in the next arrondissement, 4e: Le Marais. Metro, bus or cycling could bring you anywhere, but I preferred walking, because Paris is one of the most beautiful & delicate cities that is worth taking my time to explore in detail. Walking along the Seine was always amazing, seeing family & friends gathered for a Sunday picnic, someone relaxing in the moment of his/ her own; photographers, professional or amateur? Who cares......tourists, of course, like me, slowing down our momentum to receive the sun bath, absolutely free! Dark fell quickly after twilight; to Parisians, it’s just the beginning of another happy hour. But I needed a rest ...now in my cozy room with my late-night coffee at 2310, jazz music flowing in the air......
🐦 This is an edited version of a ‘Behind The Scenes Blog Post’ of my ebook Petit Paris. Originally published on my official Author website, as First Day In Paris, feel free to visit.
* A Poem for you *
(free verse)
Home
Home? in the morning When the night light still glowing Welcoming a l'étranger from the East Bearing her weighted luggage heavily as steel Stolen from the memory of melancholy Of where her departed city Bonjour, mademoiselle Bienvenue chez vous! A promise of the foreign city Liberté, Égalité & Fraternité Not knowing whether false or true A stay in tranquility, temporary... In the City of Light A movable feast is waiting How could I resist? The fragrance along the bridge Le Pont Neuf in front of me On the river Seine sitting quietly... As if a seductive lace underneath, inviting! Free my will, Oh! please! Here I am of what I believe Bring me with my movable feast to where it belongs In Peace!
©Oiseau Distrait 2026
Here it is, I hope you like my first letter. Stay tuned! À bientôt! ~Oiseau
🐦 If my words resonate & my picture echoes with you. Stay! As long as you please, be my guest.
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