When I moved to Paris, seven years ago, I was ready to embark on a remarkable adventure, which I knew would be engraved in my heart probably for the rest of my life.

It was an exciting feeling to arrive in Paris and see the city of light – a modern city with an amazing history. I will never forget when I first took the metro. It was like a completely new world. It was indeed loved at first sight. I knew I loved this city and I’d love to live here for an extensive amount of time.  

It was dark in the evening, the Christmas bulbs gave the whole city its lights. It was shining so bright, almost like daytime. The streets were very busy, with different people shopping from one shop to another. I was enthrall seeing The Palais Garnier, which is the Paris Opera House, and so many other remarkable landmarks.

So many things around me were pretty new. New Metro stations, new currency, New language (well, I spoke a little French then, but still Parisians have their own expressions than I had to learn), no friends around, new cuisine, new, new, new…

I’ve just celebrated my birthday.

I’m in my mid-thirties now!

This birthday has made me realize how years run way-too-fast.

This year’s birthday made me think a lot about the things I’d really want to do for myself, my friends, family and my country.

Basically, things that really matter.

I’d like to live life with no regrets, and I want to truly master that mantra.

I’ve realized that experiences can easily slip through one’s fingers from time to time, leaving one wondering “what if?”.

If places on earth could be likened to heaven, then the city of Paris should be top on the list of such places. It is a city full of life, owing to its plethora of attractions that leave every visitor overwhelmed. The city, popularly known as City of Love or City of Lights, offers it all from its inexplicable Eiffel Tower to the dazzling Seine River From art to glamour, it ensures visitors are left mesmerized. The enormous beauty of the entire city has made it the dream of many to live and work here.

Living in France as an expat has taught me how beautiful other people’s culture could be.