By: Monica
I absolutely love how the wonders of travel present unexpected and cherished moments and remind us to enjoy the present. Stepping away from our daily schedule-filled lives, gives us the opportunity to truly pause and listen to the beauty of life’s melody.
During the winter of 2013, I eagerly joined my brother and his graduate school friends during their visit to Paris. Ok…I mean I eagerly invited myself to join my brother and his friends. How could I resist a visit to my favourite city in the world, a city filled with endless wonder and enchantment? I will gladly embark on a visit to Paris during any season.
One late evening, as we walked around the grounds of the Louvre, I marveled at the sheer beauty of my surroundings. I could not stop smiling as that moment brought back memories from previous visits.
Suddenly, I was stopped in my tracks. Although the Louvre is a stunning place to visit, it was the beauty of a flute player performing a gorgeous rendition of O Mio Babbino Caro that caught my attention. Further enhancing the moment, the architecture of the Louvre and where he was standing- created perfect acoustics and the music was just breathtaking.
That moment was a reminder to stop and savour moments at home and during travels, otherwise its so easy to let precious moments slip by.
With each trip I have taken, whether it be a short getaway nearby Las Vegas or a trip across the pond, I learn more about myself with each journey. A favourite quote by David Mitchell, nicely sums up how travel is a journey of self-discovery. “Travel far enough, you meet yourself.” Indeed, pausing to listen to something so simple, yet so moving-was a lesson in just being in the present. I was only able to capture a brief video, but soaking in the present made me realize how even the smallest moments in life have significant impact. As I watch the grainy video I was able to capture on my phone, I am taken back to that very moment when just stopping to literally enjoy the music of a street musician was an awakening of how much I love stumbling upon moments that stop me in my tracks and just embrace the present.
I recently returned to Paris in March (2015) and oh, the places I went and enjoyed with my friends in celebration of my 35th birthday. More about those stories and a 2nd professional photo shoot with the ever so talented Pierre Torset, later. For now, below is a glimpse of Paris Photographer, Pierre Torset capturing me standing on the Pont Alexandre III while I looked at the Seine on a crisp morning.
Enjoying a gorgeous day in Paris, March 2015.
Cheers to the memories of yesterday, the beauty of the present, and the adventures of tomorrow waiting to be discovered. Bon Voyage!!