When I landed in Paris to cover the Olympic Games three weeks ago, the city, like a benevolent stranger, held my hands and accompanied me on my trips. As the days passed by, our bond grew stronger and this new city held me close and tight. She became my bright beacon of light and guided me when I groped around in the darkness. In the scorching heat, she let me rest in her shade. In the cold, she became my warmth. When I lost my way and wandered aimlessly, she showed me the path. It is all over now. Finally, the time has come to bid her farewell!
How fast did the days go by? The visuals of P V Sindhu and Achanta Sharath Kamal holding the tricolour while cruising down river Seine during the Parade of Nations at the opening ceremony of Paris 2024 are still fresh in my mind. I feel it all just happened yesterday.
The image of Manu Bhaker kissing her medal on the podium still gives me goosebumps. The 'silver-star' performance of Neeraj Chopra and the spirited show by Vinesh Phogat will be etched on my memory forever. The memorable last dance by our own P R Sreejesh was another iconic moment that I will cherish for the rest of my life.
Novak Djokovic, who ended his long quest for an Olympic gold medal, NBA star LeBron James, who won his third Olympic gold, and American gymnast Simone Biles, who won four medals in a captivating comeback, stood out among the stars who shined in the City of Light during the Games.
The Paris Games will be remembered for its breathtaking venues and unprecedented accessibility. But what amazed me the most was the kindness and compassion of Parisians.
One day during my stay in Paris, I went to a nearby supermarket to buy bottled water, bananas and a loaf of bread. As I did not carry a shopping bag, I got one from the checkout counter. When I tried to pay for it using my credit card, the transaction was declined due to a technical glitch. I was not carrying any cash, but the staff at the counter, who spoke only French, adamantly refused to give away a bag for free.
As I became desperate, a Frenchman who was standing behind me in the queue intervened in the 'dispute' and paid for my carry bag. "I don’t have any cash with me now. Please give me your phone number so that I can send you the money later," I told him. I was surprised by his reply. "You are here to cover the Olympics, right? Enjoy your stay. Consider this a token of love from us," he told me in proper English and left the shop quickly.
He was one among the several Good Samaritans that I have come across during my three-week stay in Paris.
Parisians have the habit of greeting anyone with 'Bonjour, comment vas-tu (good morning, how are you)' at any time of the day. As I pack my bags to leave Paris, I have only one thing to say: 'Merci, Paris (Thank you, Paris)!'
