A Dive Through the streets of Paris

by Nizar Alhaj (Libya)

I didn't expect to find France

I can still remember my traveling days back when I was a little kid with my father as if it was yesterday. I was eight years old, the recollection of the morning mist as we were getting ready to leave our house, his calmness and strong presence as we drive to Tripoli International airport, the gesture in his laugh when he tells me to take a mint as we get on the airplane so my ears do not burst out from the strong sound of the plane's engines, and in every time, as we board the plane, he asked. . "Are you scared?" "No, I'm not scared, I'm just nervous" I replied. Although I knew that he would detect the fear in the tone of my voice which I'm desperately trying to hide. He remarkably notices that I was just trying to prove to him that I am not scared to make him proud of me. And ever so gently he said. "It's alright to be afraid as long as you're prepared to face your fears, there's no shame in admitting it" "But how come you're not scared?" I asked. "who says I'm not?" he replied laughing. "right, I can only imagine you being terrified. Anyways, I'm not scared" I said. "I tell you what? When we arrive to Paris, I'll give you my music player that you like so you can listen to music on our way to the hotel. Until then, try to get some sleep. It's going to be long trip" he added. "deal" And then, our mysterious journey began as the plane takes off from the Libyan soils leaving our hometown behind and fly to our promised destination. We landed in Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, and while we were heading out from the airplane, an excellent breeze struck my face which brought back the energy to my soul. We got on the airport's bus where it took us to the terminal building so we can pick up our luggage and check with the security staff. Once we got into a taxi, I immediately plugged my headphones into the music player and allowed the sights of Paris mesmerize me with its perfect architectural designs. Shortly after we managed to arrive to Paris Marriott Champs Elysees Hotel, we completed our check-in procedures and let the porter carry our luggage to our room, it was so majestic and it looked straight down to Champs Elysees street. But, we were so exhausted and fatigued from our long day. So we settled with a splendid dinner and a good night sleep, hoping tomorrow we shall start touring the streets of Paris. The next two days were quite fabulous I must say, we initiated our first by exploring the sight scenes of Paris, the utterly dazzling construction of the Notre Dame Cathedral was our first stop. Whereas on the second day, we led our way to the Eiffel tower, it was so admirable that we took a photo of ourselves standing under it, and then my father said. "It would be a shame if we don't go to the top of the tower and enjoy the view now, wouldn't it?" "Yes, I guess it would. Are you saying we should do it?" "I'm aware that you're scared of heights son, but trust me once we reach the top your fears will vanish. What do you say?" Despite my Highland Phobia, I trusted my old man and we took off climbing our way to the top. I can still recall the shaking of my hand as we go even higher. However, by the time we reached the top all my doubts and anxiety perished from existence, and I did not expect to find the view unbelievably breathtaking and sensational, you could stay there for days without getting tired of it. Among all the memories that I have made through my travelings, this is particularly my favorite because on that day I knew that I wanted to become an architect. And here I am twenty years later standing at the same place where I found myself two decades ago as one of the well-known architects globally.