It is little surprise that one of the most lamented drawbacks to living abroad is the distance from loved ones. While Skype and Facebook have revolutionized the way we stay connected from afar, nothing trumps a heartfelt chat from the same time zone and, for the luckiest, a quick bite on a Sunday afternoon. There are moments, like recently, where I ache for Philadelphia and a food-filled afternoon with friends in the city. Then I remember how fortunate I have been to be able to return home (usually) two times each year, three with clever planning. My family and hometown are, in fact, relatively close and the reality is that a six hour time difference isn’t an insurmountable setback; I never feel too far.
But when I do occasionally bewail the hardships of this distance, I’m reminded of those who come from much further afield. Australian photographer Sarah Gardan came to Paris with her husband with a plan to experience their shared French heritage and travel throughout Europe for one year. Six months into their adventure, Sarah learned she was expecting her first child which kept them grounded in France. Fast forward three children and their one year dream evolved into seven and a lifetime love affair with France. Two years ago, she moved back to Sydney, citing the pains of being away from family. But she brought with her invaluable memories and a blossoming photography business – one that sees her returning to Paris for work twice a year. The best of both worlds!
Romance
One of the things I love about Paris is that you are always in the heart of everything. The City of Light is so easy to get around, everything is so accessible and every quartier has it’s very own charm. You’re never far from an incredible local market with the most amazingly fresh produce from all over France. I’ve never tasted tomatoes like the ones in France. They’re incredible. And don’t start me on the bread. Nothing quite compares to a freshly baked baguette tradition. And the best thing about Paris is there are bakers, butchers, cheese shops, seafood shops and green grocers on practically every corner. So for me I really miss the french passion for the very best food, which is readily available to everyone.
Something you can’t leave Paris without bringing home with you?
French cheese. When I’m back in Paris during spring, summer and fall, I always pop back to the old cheese shop we used to live above and get them to prepare me a vacuum sealed bag of some wonderful french cheeses. Usually a camembert, comté, tomme and roblochon. Alas my personal fave Saint Marcellin doesn’t keep too long as it’s soft so I’m always sure to have some whilst I’m in Paris.
Naturally as I’m a portrait photographer in Paris I tend to spend a lot of time around the Eiffel Tower. After all it is THE most recognised icon in the world. So I can usually be found wandering around the Champs de Mars with my camera and an assortment of lenses. Especially during the warmer month, I confess that even after living in Paris for 7 years I’m still struck by the Eiffel Tower each and every time I see it. Especially up close when you can see all the elaborate detail. And I just love how it changes so much under different light. She really is a beauty.
However I have to say recently I’m spending more and more time around the Louvre and the nearby Jardin des Tuileries. The building of the Louvre is simply stunning from each and every angle and it certainly makes for an amazing backdrops for photographs.
Of course Paris is such a magical city that I always love to go for a wander with my camera to take photos of the city itself. I love wandering the streets of the Marais, especially on a Sunday as there’s such a great atmosphere and so many wonderful things to explore.
Most of my time in Paris was spent with my three young children and I was always amazed that everyone (particularly older women) felt they were entitled to give me their opinions on whether my child was over dressed or under dressed. And not just a passing comment but a whole explanation as to why I should reconsider my choice about my child’s attire. Goodness they might catch their death of cold. At first I used to get into the biggest arguments with people and then I discovered sometimes it was best to just smile, say thank you and get on merrily with my day. After all, it was a day in Paris!!
