The alarm went off at 6am. I lay there for a while, enjoying my bed, this cute apartment, and how grateful I felt to have been able to stay here. I then got up and got started. Today will be a long one.

After my croissant & egg sandwich, and after checking around again, I set the key on the kitchen counter, picked up my bags, stepped out, took a deep breath, and pulled the door shut behind me. I heard the lock click shut, and I turned to see the taxi pulling up. As we loaded my bags into the car, I took a last look at the scene that had become so familiar. I looked towards Pont Neuf, the Seine River, and north towards Notre Dame. There in the faint dawn sky, was the new moon. Time for new beginnings. Time to return and make an old life new again. Time to infuse myself with new projects, new ideas, new ways of living. Time to keep living. Life, after all, is a precious gift.

…As the plane lifted into the air, I turned and looked back at the Paris skyline. The Eiffel Tower was clearly visible, and I was able to gaze at it as I said goodbye.  A plus tard, Paris. I will see you later!