21/12/2022
Leaving London.
I take an overnight coach from Victoria Station across the English Channel to Quai de Bercy.
After surviving from ferrying through turbulent water and a drunkard sitting right next to me who insists on offering me a can of beer,
I finally set my feet in Paris.
Hot summer breeze bumps into my face.
It gives me an oddly familiar feeling,
Bangkok air but Europe’s setting.
3 hours until noon, but seems like this city has not woken up yet.
Tranquil surroundings that I did not expect from the capital of France.
The streets are empty. Shops still put the ‘closed’ sign up on their doors.
Making it looks like a series of backdrops for a film set.
I take the metro to an Airbnb apartment near Palais Garnier.
Despite locating on the top storey without any elevators,
It is quite a lovely Parisian apartment.
I can smell freshly baked Baguette just by seeing the decorations
and the view of Opéra street from its windows.
what a moment to be shared with someone.
family,
friends,
or lovers.
At the time,
I realize that loneliness is my only companion.
This trip is planned to be spontaneous,
and loneliness is one of the spontaneities
which I have not prepared for.
It seems unnecessary to say but it is a major struggle.
I used to travel alone several times,
lie back in the enormous comfort of solitude,
remain my solitary pleasure for days.
but this time, travel blues wash me over in waves.
I break down on the street somewhere near the Eiffel tower after watching her evening light display.
totally overwhelmed on the first day in Paris.
feel so disconnected.
the sting of isolation.
Paris becomes a stranger I never want to make the acquaintance of.
and once again,
I have realized
Paris is never made for one.
Paris is made for two
(or more).
03
Paris, France
