I don’t know when it happened, but I realize at some point I fell in love with cities.
Not just a city, but the idea of cities.
Places that embody diversity, and progress. Vast collections of people that exist and function only by human ingenuity and determination. Ever evolving landscapes, thriving at the often uncomfortable boundary between conserving the past and creating the future. The most complex things humans have so far created.
Long before I ever visited Paris I knew it by reputation as one of earths great cities, and one of humanities greatest achievements. For hundreds of years Paris has exercised far reaching influence over architecture, cuisine, literature and nearly all aspects of western culture. And over that time it has weathered revolution, siege, plague, and storm.
My thoughts are with those who’ve lost loved ones in the chaos, and to the watchmen who will do their best to calm that chaos and protect the innocent.