10 Things We Love About Paris

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10 Things We Love About Paris
The events of 13 November sent a wave of shock and sadness through our City of Light. We mourned the senseless loss of life and were shaken by the reality that the attack was on the very essence of everyday life—innocent people just enjoying a night out. We said to ourselves, it could have been any of us. Soon after, we grew defiant. Strength and resilience are a powerful part of life here. The flowers and messages that filled the impromptu memorial at the Place de la République and that spilled onto the sidewalks and streets surrounding the attack sites spoke volumes about the French spirit. Love is stronger than hate. Même pas peur (not afraid). Respect for life. Peace for all. Je suis Paris. There are many unanswered questions, as the events reverberate around the world. But our tradition of resilience urges us to return to normal rhythms. We want to continue to remember why we love Paris. We believe in the Paris motto Fluctuat nec mergitur: “She is tossed by the waves but does not sink.” Here are 10 reasons to celebrate Paris and the French spirit. Même pas peur. Vive la France. For more from photographer-writer Meredith Mullins, see her essay “In the Wake of the Paris Attacks.”
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Lead photo credit : Fluctuat nec megitur: "She is tossed by the waves but does not sink." The Eiffel Tower will continue to sparkle. Photo credit: Meredith Mullins

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Meredith Mullins is an internationally exhibited fine art photographer and instructor based in Paris. Her work is held in private and museum collections in Europe and the U.S. and can be seen at www.meredithmullins.artspan.com or in her award-winning book "In A Paris Moment." (If you’re in Paris, a few rare, signed copies are available at Shakespeare and Company and Red Wheelbarrow.) She is a writer for OIC Moments and other travel and education publications.

Comments

  • snoopdog123
    2015-12-18 03:28:09
    snoopdog123
    Liberté means you can speak your mind, protest, debate, sing in the streets, or dance as if no one is watching. Unless you protest the cop21, then free speech is off the table.

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  • Eleanor Darron
    2015-11-29 01:36:14
    Eleanor Darron
    Nothing and nobody can change the beauty of Paris. That's why I'm coming back in June. We must go on as usual and never fear.

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  • Bernadette
    2015-11-26 19:20:59
    Bernadette
    Your gorgeous images and thoughts stirred my heart. Paris is s magical city and I can't wait to return. When hate rained down on November 13 I was shocked and saddened but then inspired to more fully live the message that Paris teaches. To love and live brightly.

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  • Alexander Ian Henriksson
    2015-11-26 18:57:42
    Alexander Ian Henriksson
    This is so beautiful and so true!

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  • Denise
    2015-11-26 17:34:49
    Denise
    Happy Thanksgiving, Paris, most beautiful of all! Stay strong...America loves you!

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  • Andrea
    2015-11-26 16:50:56
    Andrea
    Wow! Such beautiful sentiments and images. I wish I were there.

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  • Anna Eklund-Cheong
    2015-11-24 13:51:19
    Anna Eklund-Cheong
    Always so wonderful to see how Meredith sees Paris--through both her heart and lens!!

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