Heather Hodges

Paris, France. It has been 20 years since I lived here in 1987. My family lived in France because of my dad’s job and my brother’s and I went to the American School of Paris. Returning to this beautiful city felt almost like coming home. It was very paradoxical for me, so much had changed, but so much had remained the same. But the one thing that has not changed is how much I love Paris!!!!! I had about 8 hours to myself before my friend, Cecilia arrived. I bought croissants and pain aux chocolates and I set off to visit the Musee de L’Orangerie, the Jeu de Pomme, and of course the Musee de Louvre. With only 8 hours I had to run!!! The Louvre alone can take days to see, so I had to decide what I wanted to see the most.

Artists selling their works along the Seine.

L’Orangerie was spectacular. I have not seen these works as an adult and they were breathtaking. Monet’s waterlilies each had their own mood, and I saw things in the paintings that I had never seen before. I’m sure the next time I visit them I will see something new again. His “Red Boats at Argenteuille” was so fresh, it looked as though he had just put down his brush.

There were many Renoirs in L’Orangerie. Around each corner was a new treasure. I could scarcely control my emotions. I would vacillate between giddiness and tears. So I laughed and cried at the same time because of the beauty. I was so happy to be there and could scarcely take in the whole experience.