Paris is known as the City of Light but its nickname could as convincingly be the City of Love. Lovers entangle themselves in the parks, along the sidewalks, and behind not always clasped shades. The architecture, sculpture, fashion, food, wine, and even the weather and language conspire to create a sensual mood. It became popular to affix “love locks” to bridges, but the city wisely clamped down since these declarations of love create a significant hazard to bridges’ structural integrity.
Parisian chocolatiers get into the holiday in a big way. Several times I’ve indulged in chocolates at La Mère de la Famille on rue Cler, one of my favorite market streets. Their Valentine’s display often includes fine chocolates decorated with Je t’aime un peu, beaucoup, à la folie, et passionnément (I love you a little, a lot, madly, and passionately).
Back home in the United States, I went to a yoga class where my teacher distributed chocolates while our eyes were closed. She quietly placed a foil-wrapped square atop our mats during the final relaxation. As we slowly stirred out of dead man’s pose, a gift of dark chocolate labelled “Bliss” awaited each of us.
Happy Valentine’s Day! May your celebration be blissful.
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