That John… what can I say. You know him as the cultural tour guide, the speed-walking pragmatist, and the fashionable, facially moisturized Frenchman. You probably know as much as I do about him. We had the rare opportunity to see John at his best and worst moments, more than most of his acquaintances, and to hear him open up more in Paris than he would’ve anywhere else. He was able to introduce us to his high school friends—which can be scary for just about anyone… but even more so for three American friends meeting internationals with a cultural knowledge and awareness that I could only wish for...! I wondered for a moment which group John was more concerned about (if at all): the narrow-minded, uninformed, good friends or the greatly educated, obscure high school buddies? Whose approval (though not essential) is more important to him? I would think that current relationships, namely Drew, would hold the most sway in his life. Therefore, Drew’s comfort level would be prioritized. But, then again, knowing the value John places on time and friendships in Paris—I questioned my knowledge of my friend’s perspective. This line of thought lasted momentarily upon meeting Jonathan.

Jonathan represents what every young man without convictions should be like, in my opinion. He was charming and brilliant, loves women and friends, travels often and well, and owns a flat in Paris with a view of La Tour Eiffel. His first home is in Valencia, Spain—but he went to high school and finished his undergrad in Paris. He has just completed his Law degree, and is now searching for a position in Paris or New York. Jonathan’s charm was most obvious after a dinner with Kir and a little red wine—especially because he paid for them. He lives close to Passy, the equivalent to a yuppy neighborhood like Hyde Park in Cincinnati, and his favorite restaurant is within walking distance from his flat. We met with him to go to La Gare for dinner, where under his recommendation I ordered the Argentinean beef. Being the American I am, I could only think of the Argentinean narcoleptic from the film Moulin Rouge… and I was in a good mood for the remainder of the evening. Jonathan really was brilliant, naturally good at everything. He would flip back and forth between English, Spanish, and French—and his wit was comparable to an animated Shakespearean character (which I’m sure he could’ve quote to me). He is the type of man that any woman would be intrigued by, if not attracted to. I’m especially thankful to have seen John and Jonathan spending time together, catching up on the little things and deducing the big things through expressions. I believe that John holds him in the highest regard, and needs nothing more than a few discussions a year to keep their relationship strong. I’m sure that he hopes to keep a friend in Paris so that he can return to the city at any given moment.

It must be different thinking of Paris as it used to be when you were a teenager. To know that Paris back then was at your fingertips, and now it has become a destination. How has Paris changed to them?