I lived overseas for 12 years Joel.
Was based in London for many years, but moved around with work. 2 years in Paris, 18 months in Belgium, 2 years in New York and then moved to Canada...eventually.
I loved everywhere I went, for different reasons. But Paris, has my heart. It felt more like home than anywhere else I've ever been.
I fell in love, a million times over in Paris. With people, food, ideals, myself, the lifestyle...the city. Omg...the city has a beautiful heartbeat all it's own.
I was 24 and helped an old lady in the market square one day when she dropped a basket of produce, I was then forced to hold her elbow and help her with her shop...then walk her home!! She was 83, her name was Sophie and she became my 'family' in Paris. I had Sunday lunch with her every week, her grandsons were like my brothers and they taught me French and I taught them English. Best years of my life.
Eventually, I would name my own daughter after that beautiful old woman, who gave me her heart
Adored every second of it.
Someday I hope to return there, with my own little Sophie