Joie de Vivre
Excerpt from Adventure in Her Soul: The Life of Camille Franklin - Chapter 7
By Jeremiah Kalb
“I was born in the wrong country!” Camille lamented to her father as they rode the Eurostar to London, England.
“I can understand exactly what you’re feeling,” Larry said.
The American pressed her fingers against the train window as the French countryside and rapeseed fields whizzed by swiftly. “I should be living in France.”
“I feel the same way myself.”
She was already homesick for the city, at most five minutes outside Paris. Camille wondered when she’d ever return. She sighed, resting her head against the glass.
Camille knew Audrey Hepburn had it right when she said Paris is always a good idea. This timeless quote by the iconic actress suggests that Paris holds a universal allure and charm, implying that no matter the circumstances, visiting Paris is a remedy for the soul and a source of inspiration.
Camille, her father, mother, and aunt had just spent the last three days here for a fun getaway via an extended trip they had made to England, where Camille has family roots.
“I had always wanted to visit Paris because of its rich history, stunning architecture, and exquisite culinary offerings,” she says.
Her love affair with Paris began as their metro train gently stopped at the Cardinal Lemoine station, and the doors opened with a soft hiss. A rush of cool air greeted Camille and her family as they stepped out onto the platform, the familiar chime signaling their departure echoing through the tiled walls.
“As we walked up the steps to the street, I first saw the big and beautiful apartment buildings and the shops on the ground level below them.”
Many buildings in the Latin Quarter showcase Haussmannian architecture, a style synonymous with Paris. The grand facades, wrought-iron balconies, and large windows make the area alluring. Camille fell victim to the historic neighborhoods' seductive charm hard and fast.
“This is everything I hoped Paris would be,” she says.
The family made basecamp at the Hôtel des Grandes Écoles, a charming and historic hotel in the Latin Quarter of Paris. The hotel is nestled in a quiet and leafy courtyard, providing a peaceful retreat from the bustling streets of Paris.
From this hidden oasis in the heart of the city, Camille and her family enjoyed walking to the Place de la Contrescarpe, a picturesque square known for its cafés, restaurants, and lively atmosphere. It’s just a stone’s throw from Ernest Hemingway’s first apartment on Rue du Cardinal Lemoine.
“We visited this same roundabout every evening for gelatos and crepes at the same places and the same patisserie for pain au chocolat,” Camille says. “Paris was so amazing.”
While visiting the City of Light, Camille came to embrace “Joie de Vivre,” a French phrase that translates to the “joy of living” in English. It embodies enjoying and appreciating life to the fullest, maintaining a positive and exuberant outlook, and finding pleasure in everyday experiences.
One of her favorite simple pleasures was enjoying the freshly made crepes. “I love the savory crepes, not the sweet crepes,” she points out.
In French cuisine, there is a variety of both sweet and savory crepes. Broadly speaking, sweet crepes are commonly relished as desserts or snacks. In contrast, savory crepes are frequently enjoyed as a main meal.
“We enjoyed watching them being made,” Camille says.
Her gaze would fix on the skilled chef as he gracefully poured a thin layer of batter on a hot griddle, creating a lacy pattern as it cooked. The tantalizing aroma of the savory ingredients - ham, melting cheese, and fresh vegetables filled the air, heightening her anticipation.
“They were mouthwatering.”
Paris would only be Paris with a bit of sightseeing. Okay, there’s actually a lot to see.
Nestled within its approximately 40 square miles, the city’s enormity extends beyond iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. It encompasses the labyrinthine streets of Le Marais, the expansive beauty of Luxembourg Gardens, and the artistic spirit of the Latin Quarter.
One favorite of Camille’s is Sainte-Chapelle, a Gothic masterpiece nestled on the Île de la Cité in the heart of Paris.
Commissioned by King Louis IX (Saint Louis) in the 13th century, this architectural gem was intended to house significant Christian relics, including the Crown of Thorns. Construction began in 1238, and the chapel was consecrated in 1248.
What makes Sainte-Chapelle particularly remarkable is its stunning stained glass windows. The chapel is renowned for having one of the world's most extensive and exquisite collections of medieval stained glass.
“The colors from when it was built are still strong and vibrant, she says. “These windows depict biblical stories and events, allowing sunlight to filter through the intricate scenes.”
The Upper Chapel, a soaring space adorned with delicate stone tracery and a vaulted ceiling, served as a place of worship reserved exclusively for the king, his family, and associates.
“The lower-ranking members of the palace and other individuals were relegated to the Lower Chapel where they did not enjoy the same opulence and grandeur of Upper Chapel,” Camille says. “It saddens me that they didn’t have access to these beautifully depicted Bible stories. As a lifelong Christian and visual learner myself, I think it’s more impactful to see and not just hear the stories.”
For Camille, time in Paris meant more than sightseeing. For her, it was about experiencing the culture, savoring the moments, and going where life takes you.
One place that life took her in Paris on her second visit to the city was McDonald's.
One of the largest fast-food chains globally, with tens of thousands of restaurants and operations in over 100 countries, people flock to its iconic golden arches, one of the most recognizable symbols in the world.
Camille had not eaten a Big Mac for over a year while she was serving abroad as a girls empowerment volunteer.
“I needed a Big Mac and fries,” she laughs.
Her distant memory of its signature sauce, pickles, lettuce, and two beef patties evoked a Pavlovian response in the meat-starved American.
“All over the world, wherever the country is, McDonalds will have meals and items on their menu that are specific to that culture. My sister Jane had a delicious burger on a nice brioche bun.”
Visitors can also find menu items like the “Croque McDo,” a French twist on the classic grilled ham and cheese sandwich.
The croque monsieur features a lusciously melted Swiss cheese, its gooey consistency reminiscent of fondue. Sandwiched between two slices of bread, crisply toasted to perfection, the texture resembles a Thomas' English muffin, albeit without the distinctive nooks and crannies.
Jane could not believe she was eating in a place that was the standard norm to take her children to in the United States.
Visiting the world’s culinary capital, Camille’s sister had every right to be something of a food snob when it came to dining. Strolling the streets of Paris, she had a checklist longer than the Eiffel Tower of restaurants she wished they could have dined in, but time did not permit.
On the other hand, Camille was in bons mode, the opposite of a snob.
“I can eat street food all day long,” Camille jokes. “My parents and sister humored me.”
On Camille’s second visit to Paris, it was like she was coming home.
“I was so happy it was the same,” she says. “We stayed at the same hotel, ate the gelatos, pain au chocolats, and crepes at the same places and patisserie.”
Reflecting on her travels to Paris, she’d advise anyone planning their first visit to this magical city to go and enjoy the pace. She says, “Stop and go into the shops. Don’t put pressure on yourself to go, go, go to get through all the attractions.”
After savoring the unhurried charm of Paris, she fancies the idea of calling Paris her home one day.
“Paris is an amazing city, and if I could live there, I would for the rest of my life.”
Having lived in Paris from 1921 to 1928 and covered deeply in his memoir, A Moveable Feast, Hemingway might wholeheartedly agree.
Fortunately for Camille, she returns next September for the first time with her husband. “There’s going to be romance in the air, that’s for sure.”
Excerpt from Adventure in Her Soul: The Life of Camille Franklin - Chapter 7
By Jeremiah Kalb
“I was born in the wrong country!” Camille lamented to her father as they rode the Eurostar to London, England.
“I can understand exactly what you’re feeling,” Larry said.
The American pressed her fingers against the train window as the French countryside and rapeseed fields whizzed by swiftly. “I should be living in France.”
“I feel the same way myself.”
She was already homesick for the city, at most five minutes outside Paris. Camille wondered when she’d ever return. She sighed, resting her head against the glass.
Camille knew Audrey Hepburn had it right when she said Paris is always a good idea. This timeless quote by the iconic actress suggests that Paris holds a universal allure and charm, implying that no matter the circumstances, visiting Paris is a remedy for the soul and a source of inspiration.
Camille, her father, mother, and aunt had just spent the last three days here for a fun getaway via an extended trip they had made to England, where Camille has family roots.
“I had always wanted to visit Paris because of its rich history, stunning architecture, and exquisite culinary offerings,” she says.
Her love affair with Paris began as their metro train gently stopped at the Cardinal Lemoine station, and the doors opened with a soft hiss. A rush of cool air greeted Camille and her family as they stepped out onto the platform, the familiar chime signaling their departure echoing through the tiled walls.
“As we walked up the steps to the street, I first saw the big and beautiful apartment buildings and the shops on the ground level below them.”
Many buildings in the Latin Quarter showcase Haussmannian architecture, a style synonymous with Paris. The grand facades, wrought-iron balconies, and large windows make the area alluring. Camille fell victim to the historic neighborhoods' seductive charm hard and fast.
“This is everything I hoped Paris would be,” she says.
The family made basecamp at the Hôtel des Grandes Écoles, a charming and historic hotel in the Latin Quarter of Paris. The hotel is nestled in a quiet and leafy courtyard, providing a peaceful retreat from the bustling streets of Paris.
From this hidden oasis in the heart of the city, Camille and her family enjoyed walking to the Place de la Contrescarpe, a picturesque square known for its cafés, restaurants, and lively atmosphere. It’s just a stone’s throw from Ernest Hemingway’s first apartment on Rue du Cardinal Lemoine.
“We visited this same roundabout every evening for gelatos and crepes at the same places and the same patisserie for pain au chocolat,” Camille says. “Paris was so amazing.”
While visiting the City of Light, Camille came to embrace “Joie de Vivre,” a French phrase that translates to the “joy of living” in English. It embodies enjoying and appreciating life to the fullest, maintaining a positive and exuberant outlook, and finding pleasure in everyday experiences.
One of her favorite simple pleasures was enjoying the freshly made crepes. “I love the savory crepes, not the sweet crepes,” she points out.
In French cuisine, there is a variety of both sweet and savory crepes. Broadly speaking, sweet crepes are commonly relished as desserts or snacks. In contrast, savory crepes are frequently enjoyed as a main meal.
“We enjoyed watching them being made,” Camille says.
Her gaze would fix on the skilled chef as he gracefully poured a thin layer of batter on a hot griddle, creating a lacy pattern as it cooked. The tantalizing aroma of the savory ingredients - ham, melting cheese, and fresh vegetables filled the air, heightening her anticipation.
“They were mouthwatering.”
Paris would only be Paris with a bit of sightseeing. Okay, there’s actually a lot to see.
Nestled within its approximately 40 square miles, the city’s enormity extends beyond iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. It encompasses the labyrinthine streets of Le Marais, the expansive beauty of Luxembourg Gardens, and the artistic spirit of the Latin Quarter.
One favorite of Camille’s is Sainte-Chapelle, a Gothic masterpiece nestled on the Île de la Cité in the heart of Paris.
Commissioned by King Louis IX (Saint Louis) in the 13th century, this architectural gem was intended to house significant Christian relics, including the Crown of Thorns. Construction began in 1238, and the chapel was consecrated in 1248.
What makes Sainte-Chapelle particularly remarkable is its stunning stained glass windows. The chapel is renowned for having one of the world's most extensive and exquisite collections of medieval stained glass.
“The colors from when it was built are still strong and vibrant, she says. “These windows depict biblical stories and events, allowing sunlight to filter through the intricate scenes.”
The Upper Chapel, a soaring space adorned with delicate stone tracery and a vaulted ceiling, served as a place of worship reserved exclusively for the king, his family, and associates.
“The lower-ranking members of the palace and other individuals were relegated to the Lower Chapel where they did not enjoy the same opulence and grandeur of Upper Chapel,” Camille says. “It saddens me that they didn’t have access to these beautifully depicted Bible stories. As a lifelong Christian and visual learner myself, I think it’s more impactful to see and not just hear the stories.”
For Camille, time in Paris meant more than sightseeing. For her, it was about experiencing the culture, savoring the moments, and going where life takes you.
One place that life took her in Paris on her second visit to the city was McDonald's.
One of the largest fast-food chains globally, with tens of thousands of restaurants and operations in over 100 countries, people flock to its iconic golden arches, one of the most recognizable symbols in the world.
Camille had not eaten a Big Mac for over a year while she was serving abroad as a girls empowerment volunteer.
“I needed a Big Mac and fries,” she laughs.
Her distant memory of its signature sauce, pickles, lettuce, and two beef patties evoked a Pavlovian response in the meat-starved American.
“All over the world, wherever the country is, McDonalds will have meals and items on their menu that are specific to that culture. My sister Jane had a delicious burger on a nice brioche bun.”
Visitors can also find menu items like the “Croque McDo,” a French twist on the classic grilled ham and cheese sandwich.
The croque monsieur features a lusciously melted Swiss cheese, its gooey consistency reminiscent of fondue. Sandwiched between two slices of bread, crisply toasted to perfection, the texture resembles a Thomas' English muffin, albeit without the distinctive nooks and crannies.
Jane could not believe she was eating in a place that was the standard norm to take her children to in the United States.
Visiting the world’s culinary capital, Camille’s sister had every right to be something of a food snob when it came to dining. Strolling the streets of Paris, she had a checklist longer than the Eiffel Tower of restaurants she wished they could have dined in, but time did not permit.
On the other hand, Camille was in bons mode, the opposite of a snob.
“I can eat street food all day long,” Camille jokes. “My parents and sister humored me.”
On Camille’s second visit to Paris, it was like she was coming home.
“I was so happy it was the same,” she says. “We stayed at the same hotel, ate the gelatos, pain au chocolats, and crepes at the same places and patisserie.”
Reflecting on her travels to Paris, she’d advise anyone planning their first visit to this magical city to go and enjoy the pace. She says, “Stop and go into the shops. Don’t put pressure on yourself to go, go, go to get through all the attractions.”
After savoring the unhurried charm of Paris, she fancies the idea of calling Paris her home one day.
“Paris is an amazing city, and if I could live there, I would for the rest of my life.”
Having lived in Paris from 1921 to 1928 and covered deeply in his memoir, A Moveable Feast, Hemingway might wholeheartedly agree.
Fortunately for Camille, she returns next September for the first time with her husband. “There’s going to be romance in the air, that’s for sure.”
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1846 1st Street, Suite 324, Idaho Falls, ID 83401