Expectations

A large lesson of Parisian life is limiting your expectations. Think something should work? Do not turn your oven and washing machine on at the same time. Think blue skies means all clear air travel? Expect a strike. Morning commute? Bring a book.

As a friend says, “it’s France, expect nothing and you will never be disappointed.”

But contained within these little disappointments is a life lesson. Sometimes things do not happen as we want.

This summer I wanted to take a walk on the Viaduc des Arts. This may or may not have had other designs outside of the beautiful garden, a nice walk, and a bottle of wine. As foreshadowing whispers the future, it did not happen. However, fate be damned, I eventually went anyways.

While the winter months do small justices to the promenade, the walk remains relaxing. You march, above traffic on a majestic walkway in Paris. Interesting architecture decorates your way. You have perfect views of how an apparently disorienting city plan actually makes sense.

And so maybe the original intent never materialized? But in its place was a new moment and just as valuable of an experience. The scene was peaceful. Spring was beginning its first assault on winter. Few others were out in the 2 degrees Celsius stroll.

It may be all your current plans wash to the sea. You can still make new ones.