My Secret Passion for Paris

by Kelly Honsinger

There was a big book of PHOTOGRAPHS in my home that I remember as a little girl that belonged to my dad that now belongs to me. My father passed away in 1979 so much of his character is just a very fond memory deep in my heart.

My Dad put the photo album together while stationed in Paris for 2 years as an MP in the US Army. His family was of French and German descent but were mostly French and I was always so intrigued by Paris, the culture and the photographs and notations that he wrote on the back of each of them. I have wanted to visit where my father was stationed and where my ancestors came from my entire life. My relatives that trace back to France lived in several cities including Paris, Brittany and lower Normandy. The photo album has pages and pages of black and white photographs of the most beautiful buildings in France including churches, café’s, museums, monuments, The Eiffel Tower, ARC De Triomphe, The Louvre, Notre Dame, Basilica of Sacre Coeur, Champs-Elysees, etc. This far away fantasy place has been a desired dream land destination of mine forever. This past May on a midnight flight by myself from JFK to Paris my dream came true. When I got off the plane, I thought of my dad flying over to Paris in 1957 and how he must have felt. Once settled at the Regina Louvre Hotel I was so happy that I threw my arms up in the air and will never forget my excitement that I had finally arrived in Paris. The view from our balcony overlooked the spectacular Eiffel Tower with all its colorful light displays. The hustle and bustle of people walking, talking and riding bikes went on all day and all night. The noise and excitement filled my heart with joy and endearment.

Paris is magnificent and the most beautiful place that I have ever been. I felt at home. The fashion, art, history, food, wine, and of course champagne along with the building’s architecture overwhelmed all my senses. There were so many highlights to speak of but in one week my romantic and adventurous boyfriend and I packed in all that we could. We walked thousands of steps around the city. Our first stop was the Eiffel Tower. We did a guided tour at the Musee d’Orsay. We traveled on to St. Germain, Montmartre, Champs -Elysée, stopped at many cafés and restaurants along the way and stopped at the Coco Chanel store where I bought Chanel 1957 perfume. We climbed the steps that my dad did in 1957 at the Basilica of Sacre Coeur. To top it off, we took the most romantic dinner cruise on the Seine River. We also spent an entire afternoon in the gardens at Versailles and did a wine and cheese walking tour to experience the best baguette, finest wine, French cuisine, chocolate and crescents ever!

I have to say that the ‘French’ people are classy, reserved and very polite. They dress in tailored flattering clothing especially at the hotels and restaurants. Upon arrival at our hotel while sipping champagne waiting for our room to be ready, we asked the bartenders what they thought of Americans and they said the only complaint that they have is that Americans always stop them on their way to work to ask them how to get places. They don’t have time to answer so many questions when trying to get to work … by foot. In the city of Paris, everyone walks or takes the Paris Metro train. And then there’s the food, macaroons, windowsills filled with flowers, fresh market squares and cafés every few steps. Paris is also so romantic. Parisians are healthy in much of what they live by including eating smaller portions, eating food with no preservatives and by walking everywhere. They like to eat dinner around 8 and spend at least 2 or more hours talking in intimate settings but they also are on the move early grabbing French coffee and pastries when the sun comes up.

My heart is full of gladness and nostalgic appreciation for the opportunity to have traveled to Paris and to finally experience the history and culture of such an amazing city. My trip to Paris also brought me closer to my roots and it gave me the opportunity to feel my dad’s presence through the experience once again, which was the most meaningful and beautiful part of it all. Family and experiences are the most beautiful blessings in life, and I cannot wait to go back to where I felt so alive and at home.

~ au revoir Kelly

When it comes to fund raisers for good causes the people and businesses in our community are always pitching in. Here at J's Tavern so many were on hand for the 6th Annual Jamison Turkow Memorial Get Together for Addiction Awareness. Thank you to all who came out to volunteer & support such a great cause!