Being an Ernest Hemingway follower led me to want to enjoy the same kinds of experiences he had enjoyed. High on that list--perhaps the highest--was to walk the same streets of Paris he had walked thirty or so years earlier.
While in the navy, my ship docked at Le Havre, France, and I took five days vacation and went to Paris.
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| My ship: USS Cromwell |
The first good look I had of France was riding the train through the countryside, which gave me time to reflect and decide what I would do when I arrived at Paris.
My first impression of Paris itself was when the train pulled into the Gare St. Lazarre, and I detrained into a familiar looking building, one with luminous overhead lighting, one I had seen in an Impressionist painting. I suddenly felt at home. At that moment, I knew I had arrived. At that moment, I knew I'd never be the same again.
6 comments:
My husband and I both love impressionist paintings. We've been there twice, each time many years apart, and spent most of each time in the art museums. It is such a remarkable city. I would go again in a heart beat!
Me too. I'll have more to say on that topic (impressionist paintings) in an upcoming post.
I'd love to hear more about the trip. I feel as if you started a story here and I haven't gotten to read the ending!w
A good friend of mine's grandparents had a cabin near Hemingway's - she met him several times when she was very little. I re-read everything he wrote after she told me that.
My Hemingway Years is part of a series about my five days in Paris, and other trips in Europe. So, it's not finished yet.
I love how you ended this, it's so homey. Exactly how it feels to walk into a new adventure. Can't wait to read more.
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