Special offer

Thoughts On Paris

By
Real Estate Agent with Karen Parsons-Fiddler, Broker 949-510-2395 BRE# 01494165

Almost a year ago my kids (left) had just left Paris when the Charlie Hebdo shootings occurred. Last night's horrible events have been weighing very heavy on my heart.

I love Paris, and France as a whole. Contrary to their reputation for snooty behavior, I've always found Parisians to be lovely people who are rightly proud of their beautiful city. Showing genuine interest and appreciation has given me many great tips and conversations with those I've met in that city.

Even though it's cold in Paris right now, the stunning beauty of the building facades makes it hard to eat inside. I hope that many lives were spared simply by the chill in the air....which kept some off the sidewalk dining area. I hope!

I have no words of comfort to offer. No solutions to put forward. I know that the United States has eventually recovered...large scars intact...from 9-11 and France will move forward also. But today, I'm heartbroken for the families who have lost loved ones and for the world's most beautiful city that was shining in the night as it always does when terror broke out. 

Comments(10)

Joe Jackson
Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty - Columbus, OH
Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert

i have never been to Paris and my thoughts are shattered based on yesterdays events....

Nov 14, 2015 12:06 AM
Conrad Allen
Re/Max Professional Associates - Webster, MA
Webster, Ma, Realtor

Hi Karen.  Such a terrible, despicable act by these miserable cowards.  Our thoughts and prayers are with the French people.

Nov 14, 2015 12:07 AM
Sheila Anderson
Referral Group Incorporated - East Brunswick, NJ
The Real Estate Whisperer Who Listens 732-715-1133

Good morning Karen. I am with you. Paris is a city I visit often and love too. I have a friend who is living there and thankfully she is safe. No words......

Nov 14, 2015 12:10 AM
Raymond E. Camp
Ontario, NY

Good morning Karen,

A sad situation that one would think should not happen. It is to bad a handful of idealogist have a disruptive force on the multitude.

Make yourself a great day.

Nov 14, 2015 12:17 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Hi Karen ~ having travelled extensively in France and having lived in Paris, I can only support you when you say you found the French to be lovely people, as I did myself. My heart is breaking for a city I consider my second "hometown" after NYC. Now both of my hometowns have suffered brutal attacks. These are strong cities who will recover, but will never be the same and will never forget.

Nov 14, 2015 01:18 AM
Karen Fiddler, Broker/Owner
Karen Parsons-Fiddler, Broker 949-510-2395 - Mission Viejo, CA
Orange County & Lake Arrowhead, CA (949)510-2395

I'm so sad, watching the way the world has embraced France is sweet to watch. 

Nov 14, 2015 02:08 AM
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

Karen, I too have been to France and had a great experience.  I stayed for a few days in Paris, toured the city and the Palace of Versais (I'm probably spelling that wrong) with my parents back in 2003/2004.

 

I went during the country's vacation month, so the majority of the remaining people were service industry geared which may skew things.  I found that not being "the stereo-typical uncultured American" was the best way to be.  Be polite, try to speak their language, appologize for being bad at it.  Ask if they speak english, but in their language.  I can't remember the line now, but I basically said "Sorry, my French is not good.  Do you speak English?"  Most everyone was appreciative of that and either knew English, or knew enough of it to tell us they'd get someone who did.

 

Most people thought we were not American since we were polite, respectful and unlike the typical American they come in contact with. 

 

Nothing but respect for their culture.

Nov 14, 2015 04:04 AM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

Great post on the matter.  It is heartbreaking that so many Parisians lost their lives yesterday.

Nov 14, 2015 06:32 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Karen is beyond sad to see these horrible events happening. I pray that all of humanity will find a solution. So many wonderful families lives shattered, once again.

 

Nov 14, 2015 09:16 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Karen- I am sad for the lives that were lost, the injured, and for the city of Paris.  And, I am concerned that we will see more. 

Nov 14, 2015 09:31 AM