Reflections: Paris, le Magnifique

All eyes are on Paris in the midst of the unmistakable magic of the Olympic Games this week, and there are few cities better suited to host the diversity of all the world’s cultures coming together in its magnificent setting. For many of us, Paris is a siren, an enchantress, a dream that beckons. While other travellers may have experienced less, this city has always shared a specific amiable charm that does nothing short of making us fall in love time and time again. Few places on Earth hold such a power over us, but this is one for which we will fully admit defeat.

I hold few regrets in life, but one of those is not hopping on a plane to witness the Closing Ceremonies in Rio de Janeiro in 2016. The scene of the Olympic cauldron being extinguished in the rain while Mariene de Castro serenaded has stayed with me for years – and just two days before, I flirted with the idea of spontaneously buying a ticket to fly the next day to see it in person. It’s a shame I didn’t. So, every time there’s an Olympic Opening or Closing (as there will be once again this Sunday), a part of my heart yearns to travel. There are few events more glorious than the spectacle of these ceremonies where nearly every country is represented, and where a host nation puts nearly a decade of planning into one evening of pure spectacular. It is a dream to – one day – witness it in person. (One of our travel Insiders recently shared his story of the Beijing Opener with us, and it certainly lived up to the hype.)

It seems only fitting that we share a few of our Parisian favorites in this edition to help you dream of your next visit to the City of Light, including a flash back to 2001 when I have arrived in Paris for the first time. Then, we hop to Rome for one of its best dishes if you’re in the Mediterranean mood. We also aim to inspire your upcoming travels with an autumnal getaway to Santa Fe, New Mexico, the otherworldly charms of La Paz, Bolivia, and the entertaining quirks of cross-country road-tripping via film.

And, if any of you are indeed headed to Paris to witness the games, please share your experiences with us — as we’ll be equally inspired and bright-green with envy! (One of our members was at Versailles for the equestrian pageantries.) Our dreams of travel will simmer from our collective sofas as we bear witness to the rise of the Olympic balloon over the Tuileries Gardens one final time this weekend, just before its gleaming flames vanish…and we eagerly await the next Opening Ceremonies in Milan and LA. Perhaps by then, I’ll be able to finally find the golden ticket to my Olympic fantasy.

Photo Credit: Syllogi, Fast Company, The Denver Post