Pigeons

Hiya fam, assuming you all have successfully navigated the internet machine to reach our blog. When Hillard asked us to share our experiences, I could think of so many things to write about, like seeing the Eiffel Tower, ordering a meal in French for the first time, watching miles of French countryside go by from the bus, and even taking a selfie with the Mona Lisa. But one tiny moment stuck out to me the most: the French pigeons. Allow me to explain.

I can't remember when this happened yesterday afternoon, but we were on the bus and riding through Paris. What I do remember about the situation was that I, like everyone on the bus, was really tired and sore and really needed a shower. I was wearing the same clothes that I had left the house in on Sunday morning, and I seemed to have complained so much that I forgot that I was spending my first day in a European country. Then I saw it: a pigeon strutting around on the sidewalk. And it was so French. It could be from nowhere except Paris. Everything about it was haughty and proper and proud and FRENCH. I expected it to start saying "oui, oui" and start twirling its mustache. I pointed it out to several people, and I'm pretty sure they thought I was nuts, and you might be feeling this same way. Regardless, this little French pigeon reminded me that I was actually in Paris, and regardless of how little sleep I got on the plane or how long I had been wearing the same clothes, I was unbelievably lucky to be here.

I hope everyone is well and happy at home. I love you!

Love, Liddy