The Love Lock and Au Revoir

Pont des Art bridge and the view

People from all over the world come to the Pont des Art bridge to leave their love lock, and symbolically, a little piece of themselves in Paris.  For pedestrians only, the bridge links the Institut de France and the central square of the Louvre.  On one side, you see Notre Dame rising from its own little island on the Seine.  From the other, you see the top of the Eiffel tower.....perfect. 

Locks Everywhere

Ron and I had long planned to bring our own lock here to add to this unique display.  We chose to come here yesterday (our last) and say goodbye to the city we love.  

We sent off weeks ago to order our lock and have it engraved.  My sister April then used her artistic talents to add angel's wings to each side, making it even more personal.

OUR lock in its new home

To insure our two keys would sink to the bottom of the river, we attached them to a small silk pouch carrying three polished rocks lovingly gathered at the beach during an unforgettable trip to the Oregon coast.  My Dad, Aunt Judy and Uncle Kay will understand why.

After another memorable visit to surely one of the world's most picturesque and lively cities, we have hopefully become a bit more French.   We learned to slow down to soak in the beauty and history that surrounded us.  

We lingered over drinks and long meals, savoring the wine and food prepared with pride and perfection.  We took in the art at Musee d'Orsay (their logo is just M'O...love that) of Renoir, Van Gogh and Monet.  We walked for miles...to neighborhoods all over the city, and rode the Metro and RER trains like pros.  

Ron on our balcony at the hotel

We spoke French whenever we met someone new, appreciating that the French don't do anything until proper greetings have been exchanged.  

And we couldn't have custom-ordered more beautiful spring weather in which to enjoy it all.... cloudless sunny days and sparkling cool nights.

A few months ago, our French teacher George told us that after living in Paris for over 10 years, his children (several who were born there) live in a constant state of homesickness.  When in Paris, they miss America.  When in America, they miss Paris.  

We know how they feel, and will always be a little homesick for the romance we left behind.  It is appropriate then to use the French farewell, as au revoir means literally: au, till the + revoir, seeing again.

This is what Ron and I will long to do.

Note:  To find our love lock, follow the Seine west from Fontaine San Michel.  At the Pont des Arts bridge, walk North to the 3rd lamppost looking east to Notre Dame.  It is locked near the bottom of the 4th vertical pole of the wire fence, an equal distance between the 3rd and 4th lamppost....we encourage you to add your own!