Recently I spent one week in New York City and the unavoidable question arose, NYC or Paris? Two cities replete with culture, activity and energy, in unique and varying degrees. And both cities now considered my home. I was fortunate enough to discuss life between NYC and Paris over dinner with friend, francophile and New Yorker Amy Thomas. She well articulated this dilemma that many a New Yorker who moves to Paris experiences via HiP Paris Blog in New York or Paris: Une Bonne Question. A question far more complex than ‘bagels versus baguettes’.
Did we arrive to the conclusion that you can live a simultaneous love affair with both cities? Yes.
What became quickly apparent as I caroused the streets of this city that never sleeps (clearly evident in my 6am jetlag induced walks in the East Village), was that is it not the city but the people that create the feeling of home. It was not the trendy new restaurants, art exhibitions and fashion boutiques that I was eager to indulge in. It was the people that had composed my life for so many years. The unique faces that became friends had made my life in New York feel like home. And the backdrop of a vibrant city with endless possibilities, only enhanced the moments we shared.
As the days passed I filled them with as many warm faces as possible. Catching up with friends for even just a New York minute, playing with their babies, attending the wedding of the dear friend I moved to NYC with so many years ago… and celebrating friendship with a well needed girls night.
I began to look at NYC the place as a former love that I will forever cherish. It was NYC the people that held my heart. And shared it with Paris.
NYC and Paris are my two favorite cities in the world. Sadly, so much so that I compare other places to one or both of them whenever I travel. I look at it though as just being “me”. Because both are. I don’t have to love every place as much as I love NYC and Paris but the point is that I give other places a chance. I think there is room in our hearts for both, and appreciation of other places too.
I don’t think either Paris or NYC are comparable to any other cities, which is what makes them so special. There are definitely others that top the list too though! Sydney, Buenos Aires, Tokyo, Rome… (I could go on!)
agree – both are wonderful places, but in any place, the people hold your heart….
Well said…your heart can share the two! 😉
Lovely post.. Amazing cities!
Kiss,
sara
Sigh. First off, I LOVE those side-by-side photos of each city’s most iconic landmark. Brilliant. More important, I’m so glad to have someone to share this intense dual love with. I know so many people adore both NYC and Paris. (Of course they do!) But our paths and feelings are so similar, it’s reassuring to know I’m not totally folle in feeling so torn, no matter in which city I am. Sending you NYC love. Hope to see you in Paris soon, mon amie! xo
Once a New York/Parisian, always a New York/Parisian! Happy to share this ‘love affair of two cities’ with you! xx
but have you seen: http://parisvsnyc.blogspot.com/ ?
🙂
Yes, it’s a great blog!!
I definitely believe you can collect cities like lovers!